Pakistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to accelerate the expansion of their Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and target $2 billion in bilateral trade within two years. The announcement came after high-level talks held in Tashkent on Friday.
The discussions were attended by Pakistan’s Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Industry Ihsaan Afzal and Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister for Investment, Industry and Trade Shohrukh Gulamov. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic cooperation under the leadership’s shared vision.
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Talks focused on broadening the existing PTA product list. Gulamov said a significantly expanded list is being finalised, with a formal agreement expected soon. Afzal emphasized standardizing trade documentation, harmonizing customs procedures, and improving digital connectivity to reduce delays for businesses.
The Uzbek side assured full cooperation and confirmed that technical teams are working to implement an Electronic Data Interchange system between authorities. They also highlighted priority sectors for joint ventures, including textiles, leather, pharmaceuticals, and surgical instruments.
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Afzal thanked the Uzbek authorities for their hospitality and reiterated Pakistan’s intention to deepen economic ties further. Both sides expressed optimism that these measures will boost trade and strengthen bilateral economic relations.