Uzbekistan is set to launch direct flights to Karachi.

During an official visit to Karachi from January 2 to 4, Alisher Tukhtaev addressed 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 fraternal relations between the two nations are rooted in 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 aimed at strengthening economic partnership 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 trips.

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

The ambassador also highlighted the success of the Made in Pakistan exhibition held in Tashkent last June. According to him, the event became a valuable tool for establishing new trade and investment agreements.

Continuing this initiative, he announced plans to hold the Made in Uzbekistan exhibition in Karachi at the end of the year, expressing confidence that it will 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 regions of Bukhara, Syrdarya, Surkhandarya, and Kashkadarya, assuring that the embassy would provide comprehensive support in organizing meetings at the G2B and B2B levels.

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

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