PM calls for urgent operationalization of TTA, PTAs with Uzbekistan

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has underscored the need for urgently operationalizing the Transit Trade Agreement and Preferential Trade Agreements with Uzbekistan to fully unlock the immense bilateral economic potential.              

He was talking to Ambassador of Uzbekistan Oybek Usmanov who paid a courtesy call on him in Islamabad on Monday.              

The Prime Minister underlined the significance of Trans-Afghan Railway Project to advance the connectivity agenda and promote regional prosperity.

He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to provide transit access to Central Asian Republics to the ports of Karachi, Bin Qasim and Gwadar.               

Shehbaz Sharif also invited Uzbek investments in Special Economic Zones of Pakistan, particularly in industrial, electronics and agricultural sectors, which would accrue mutual benefits.                 

He highlighted Pakistan's vision for deeper engagement with Central Asia and the important role of Uzbekistan in this regard.                                        

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the existing level of close and fraternal relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and emphasized the need for further deepening bilateral ties in the realms of trade, economy, education, tourism and culture to promote people-to-people contacts.                   

He stressed on direct air connectivity to facilitate the movement of businessmen, students and tourists between the two countries.

While highlighting convergent perspectives of Pakistan and Uzbekistan on regional issues, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan's strong resolve for lasting peace, security and stability of Afghanistan.   

The Ambassador conveyed warm greetings by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyeyov to Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and said that the President is looking forward to welcome him at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit at Samarkand in September.