Ahad reviews preparations for Uzbek deputy PM's visit, eyes five-year economic roadmap

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Jul, 2026) Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Cheema on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to review inter-ministerial preparations for the upcoming visit of Uzbekistan's Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev, aimed at further strengthening economic and trade relations between the two countries.

The meeting was attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, Secretary Foreign Affairs Amna Baloch, Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul, Secretary Railways, Director General of the National Logistics Corporation (NLC), senior officials of the Ministry of Communications and representatives of other relevant ministries, a news release said.

Participants briefed the minister on progress made regarding the agenda and planned engagements during the visit, while finalizing arrangements to ensure its successful outcome.

The meeting focused on enhancing regional connectivity and trade facilitation, with officials presenting proposals to improve road and rail links, transport corridors and logistics infrastructure between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

The proposals were aimed at increasing the efficiency and capacity of trade routes, facilitating faster and more cost-effective movement of goods, and promoting greater regional trade integration.

The meeting was informed that a Business-to-Business (B2B) Forum would be held during the visit, with participation of more than 100 Uzbek companies interested in exploring investment, trade and joint venture opportunities in Pakistan.

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Officials said agriculture, pharmaceuticals, industry, transport and logistics would remain priority sectors for investment and commercial engagement, with both governments committed to promoting stronger public-private partnerships and expanding economic cooperation.

Expressing satisfaction over the preparations, Ahad Cheema said the visit would mark another important milestone in Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations.

He expressed confidence that the two sides would sign a Five-Year Roadmap for Trade and Economic Cooperation during the visit, providing a comprehensive framework to enhance bilateral trade, investment, connectivity and broader economic collaboration.

The meeting was also informed that consensus had been reached on several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements, which are expected to be signed during the visit to expand cooperation across multiple sectors and create new opportunities for mutual economic growth.

The minister directed all relevant ministries and departments to ensure close coordination and timely completion of all arrangements, stressing that the visit offered a valuable opportunity to deepen economic ties, strengthen regional connectivity, promote investment and unlock the untapped trade potential between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.