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
Project on promoting Pilgrimage Tourism of Uzbekistan in digital space presented in Malaysia
Ahead of the 35th Anniversary of Uzbekistan's Independence, a special report titled “New Uzbekistan – Center of Pilgrimage Tourism in the Digital World” was broadcast on the national television channel of Malaysia, “Berita RTM”, reports Dunyo IA.
Within the framework of the television report, Professor Badrul Bin Isa, Head of the Malaysian Academy of SME and Entrepreneurship Development (MASMED) at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), and Professor Norfadilah Kamaruddin, Dean of the university, presented the “Uzbekistan – Malaysia: Creative Tourism” initiative. The project is being implemented with the support of the Embassy of Uzbekistan, jointly with the Tourism Committee and the Center of Islamic Civilization.
Initiative involves creating professional digital content about Uzbekistan’s tourism potential using “visual storytelling”. From August 17th to 31st, a creative team from UiTM, consisting of professional photographers and designers from the faculties of art, design, and media, will conduct film and photo shoots in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khorezm. Primary focus will be placed on the cities' Islamic historical heritage and other landmarks of the country.
Prepared photo and video materials are planned to be distributed via “Instagram”, “Facebook”, “TikTok” and “YouTube”. Students from Uzbek higher education institutions specializing in design, art, tourism, and hospitality will also participate in the project. This will facilitate an exchange of experience in academic, tourism and creative spheres.
In the interview, Professor Badrul Bin Isa noted that the project is aimed at wider presentation of Uzbekistan among the Muslim population of the ASEAN countries. According to him, the digital platforms will be used to tell about the authentic historical heritage of the country, the opportunities of pilgrimage tourism, and modern transformations in Uzbekistan.
“We want Uzbekistan—a country with a rich Islamic heritage, high culture, and hospitable people—to be rediscovered by the residents of the ASEAN region”, Professor stated, also congratulating the people of Uzbekistan on the 35th Anniversary of Independence and expressing hope that the outcomes of the project would become a worthy gift for this milestone date.
Initiative is expected to contribute to the popularization of Uzbekistan’s pilgrimage tourism and attract a larger number of tourists from ASEAN countries.
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