Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, has announced plans by the Uzbek government to launch a new direct air connection between Uzbekistan and Karachi this year.

He described this step as an important phase in strengthening bilateral relations, according to Pakistani media.

During his official visit to Karachi, which took place from 2 to 4 January, Alisher Tukhtaev spoke before representatives of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), and the local business community.

The Ambassador emphasized that the historical and brotherly relations between the two countries are based on shared cultural and religious traditions.

“Our countries have become closer than ever before thanks to the implementation of a strategic approach to regional connectivity,” he stated, highlighting efforts to strengthen economic partnerships and strategic cooperation.

According to Tukhtaev, since September 2023, Uzbekistan has introduced a simplified visa regime for Pakistani citizens, which has contributed to an increase in business and tourist travel.

Speaking about trade potential, the Ambassador noted that over the past five years, the volume of bilateral trade has tripled, from US$122 million in 2019 to US$387 million in 2023. He emphasized the significant prospects for further expanding cooperation, particularly in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, leather and footwear industries, food processing, and agribusiness.

The Ambassador also highlighted the success of the Made in Pakistan exhibition, which took place in Tashkent in June of the previous year. According to him, the event became a valuable tool for concluding new trade and investment agreements.

Building on this initiative, he announced plans for the Made in Uzbekistan exhibition in Karachi at the end of the year, expressing confidence that it would make a significant contribution to the development of economic ties.

Tukhtaev invited a delegation from the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry to visit Uzbekistan and explore the investment potential of the Bukhara, Syrdarya, Surkhandarya, and Kashkadarya regions, assuring them that the embassy would provide full support in organizing meetings at both G2B and B2B levels.

“Uzbekistan offers safe, favorable, and liberal conditions for investment,” the Ambassador noted, urging Pakistani entrepreneurs to take advantage of opportunities in various sectors, where the Sindh province has achieved significant success.

He also supported the proposal to hold B2B meetings for further implementing trade and investment initiatives.