Pakistan and Uzbekistan have great potential for developing mutual trade
According to the Associated Press of Pakistan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to Pakistan Alisher Tukhtayev noted that there is great potential for increasing trade and investment between the two countries through the creation of joint ventures, in particular for the development of the textile industry.
During his visit to the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), Uzbekistan’s Ambassador invited representatives of the country’s textile companies to study the demand for high-quality products in Uzbekistan. He noted that Uzbekistan’s cheap energy and rich cotton reserves create attractive opportunities for Pakistani investors to develop trade and investment in the Uzbekistan market.
The Ambassador recalled that the two countries have signed several memoranda of understanding and agreements aimed at facilitating market access. Thanks to direct flights, the flight time was reduced by 90 minutes. Negotiations on a trilateral transit trade agreement involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan have entered a crucial phase. After reaching an agreement, trade flows will accelerate even more. Uzbekistan’s shopping malls have been opened in Karachi and Lahore. The next such center will be opened in Islamabad.
As A. Tukhtayev noted, Pakistan and Uzbekistan are “fraternal countries, not competitors”, so it is necessary to share resources, knowledge, and experience for mutual benefit. He invited the APTMA delegation to visit Uzbekistan, take part in exhibitions and conferences, and added that other trade delegations will visit this fraternal country in the coming months.
APTMA Chairman Kamran Arshad highlighted several existing problems in mutual trade, including the lack of official banking channels, delays in signing the free trade agreement, language barriers in labeling, issues with the Afghan transit route, and the slow construction pace of the Trans-Afghan Railway. He emphasized the importance of strengthening banking relations, concluding a free trade agreement as soon as possible, and establishing a regular exchange of trade delegations to realize the existing potential fully.
Another participant of the meeting, Asad Shafi, informed the delegation about the possibilities of Pakistan’s textile industry, noting that, despite centuries-old ties, the current volume of bilateral trade is only $125 million. He emphasized that his country aims to boost textile exports to $50 billion under the Sewing Revolution project and urged Uzbekistan to cooperate actively in this endeavor.
Muharrama Pirmatova, UzA
Uzbek Miniature Art Exhibition “From Bukhara to the Arabian Peninsula” opens in Riyadh
A cultural evening and the opening of the exhibition “The Art of Miniature: From Bukhara to the Arabian Peninsula. Stories Along the Ways to the Shrines”, dedicated to the 35th Anniversary of the Independence of Uzbekistan, took place in the capital of Saudi Arabia, reports Dunyo IA.
Event was organized by the Embassy of Uzbekistan. It was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, government agencies, media, figures of culture and art, artists, and guests.
Exhibition features 35 works by Uzbek masters, introducing visitors to the history, artistic characteristics and traditions of miniature painting of Uzbekistan.
Ambassador of Uzbekistan, Nodirjon Turgunov, noted the role of culture in strengthening mutual understanding between peoples and developing Uzbek-Saudi humanitarian ties.
Head of the AlMashtal Creative Hub, Princess Noura bint Saud bin Nayef Al Saud, congratulated Uzbekistan on the 35th Anniversary of Independence and emphasized the significance of preserving the art of miniature as a part of Islamic artistic heritage.
Within the framework of the event, the prospects of cooperation in the field of education and art were also discussed. Representatives of Saudi universities expressed interest in partnering with the Kamoliddin Behzod National Institute of Fine Arts and Design, including academic exchanges, joint research and professional contacts.
Exhibition will remain open to visitors for two days. Practical masterclasses will also be held for 35 Saudi amateur artists and young masters under the guidance of Uzbek specialists.
