SIALKOT, Pakistan: Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan Mr Furqat Sidiqov said his country is keen to enhance the volume of bilateral trade between the two countries and both sides should work to avail the advantage of geographic proximity to boost cooperation in various sector.
He said Pakistan and Uzbekistan, the two Islamic countries, were enjoying cordial and friendly relations. Speaking to the members of Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) on Wednesday he said the governments of both the countries agreed to enhance bilateral trade volume to US 300 million dollars during next five years.
He informed the gathering that Uzbekistan Airways will soon start its service from Pakistan which will be helpful in bringing businessmen and people closer. “Uzbekistan government was working on five point agenda for further improving its economy and to bring radical changes in every sphere of life”.
He said special economic zones have been established for accommodating foreign investors and at present a large number of foreign companies were successfully functioning in these Special Economic Zones.
The Ambassador highlighted the achievements and prospects of economic development of his country. The gross domestic products of Uzbekistan in 2015 grew by 8 percent, production of industrial goods increased by 8 percent while agriculture products swelled by 7 percent and construction and assembling works by 18 percent, he said.
In his address of welcome acting President SCCI Muhammad Sarfraz Butt said that there is huge scope for export of quality products of Sialkot to Uzbekistan, adding, “We need to exploit (the scope) to the maximum through mutual cooperation”.
Sarfraz said that Pakistan and Uzbekistan have been enjoying cordial bilateral relations since the independence of Uzbekistan in 1991. Over the years, Pakistan and Uzbekistan have been working for realizing the goal of establishing functional transport corridors and institutionalising business linkages,he said.
He said, “bilateral trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan is relatively low and volume of trade between the two countries is over US $ 24 (M). I firmly believe that we can increase the volume by creating strong connections between business communities of the two countries”.
“We appreciate the vision of Prime Ministers of Pakistan and Uzbekistan to increase trade by USD 300 (M) by utilizing each other’s expertise and creating effective linkages”, Sarfaraz said.
He added that Pakistani businessmen were also keen to strengthen ties with Uzbekistan through the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and other connectivity projects which would ensure regional development and prosperity.
Source: News Agencies/Reporters from Sialkot
