Pakistan, Uzbekistan agree to form joint working group on trade, investment

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Uzbekistan on Thursday agreed to form a joint working group on trade and investment to explore opportunities to fortify relations.

This was decided while a high-ranking ministerial delegation from Uzbekistan led by Uzbek Minister for Foreign Trade Khodjaev Jamshaid called on Secretary Commerce Mohammad Younus Dagha and officials of the ministry at the Ministry of Commerce in Islamabad.

Uzbek delegation also included Chairman CCI of Uzbekistan Adham Ikramov, Deputy Chairman of Association ‘Uztextile Industry’ Bahadir Alihanov, HoD, International Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Trade Alisher, Director on Production and Investment of JSC ‘Uzagrotechmash'(Agricultural Machinery), Azamat Yuldashev, Deputy Head of Marketing Department of JSC ‘Uzagrotechmash’ (Agricultural Machinery) Murad Bekmirzaev, and embassy officials.

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During the meeting, both sides avowed to enhance trade relations between the two countries. It was resolved that all out efforts would be made to remove impediments hampering bilateral trade including lack of direct cargo links, safe and direct land route, removal of NTBs and efficient and effective banking channels. It was agreed that institutional mechanism between both the countries needs to be upgraded.

The secretary commerce proposed to form a Joint Working Group (JWG) on trade and investment. The JWG would focus on exploring opportunities to enhance bilateral economic relations. The Uzbek minister agreed to the proposal. Afterwards the dates and venue of the 1st meeting of JWG, either in Pakistan or in Uzbekistan, would be decided.