Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Syed Ali Haider Zaidi was called on by Lt. Col. Saadullah Tashmatov Charge d' Affairs/Defense Attache' Embassy of Republic of Uzbekistan in his office today. Jasur Saidahmedov, Third Secretary, Embassy of Republic of Uzbekistan and Secretary, Ministry of Maritime Affairs were also present at the meeting.
Uzbekistan, a landlocked Central Asian Republic has export markets in gulf countries, southeast Asia, Europe and Africa. The cheapest route is through Pakistani ports. A dedicated terminal for goods from Central Asian States and ease in the transit after the completion of ML1 project was discussed in detail. A dedicated shipping fleet for central Asian exports was also proposed. The trade volume of Uzbekistan and Pakistan has increased significantly in the past couple of years and with establishing an efficient trade corridor it will increase manifold.
"Pakistan has the requisite environment to benefit from this opportunity as the incumbent government's business friendly policies and the new shipping policy will strengthen Pakistan's role as the shortest and cheapest route to the world, hence making it a gateway to Central, South and Southeast Asia" Ali Zaidi remarked.
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