Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema chaired a high-level meeting to review preparations for the forthcoming visit of H.E. Jamshid Khodjayev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, scheduled to take place on July 20–21, 2026. The meeting assessed inter-ministerial coordination and finalized arrangements to ensure the success of the visit, which is expected to further strengthen bilateral economic and trade relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
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 National Logistics Corporation (NLC), senior officials of the Ministry of Communications, and representatives of other relevant ministries attended the meeting and briefed the Minister on progress made regarding the agenda and planned engagements during the visit.
A key focus of the meeting was strengthening regional connectivity and trade facilitation. Secretary Railways, the Director General of the National Logistics Corporation (NLC), and officials of the Ministry of Communications presented various proposals to enhance the capacity and efficiency of trade routes between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Detailed discussions were held on improving both road and rail connectivity, developing transport corridors, and strengthening logistics infrastructure to facilitate faster, more cost-effective movement of goods and promote regional trade integration.
The Minister was informed that a Business-to-Business (B2B) Forum will be organized during the visit, bringing together leading private-sector representatives from both countries. More than 100 Uzbek companies are expected to participate in the forum, reflecting the growing interest of Uzbek businesses in exploring investment, trade, and joint venture opportunities in Pakistan.
The meeting noted that agriculture, pharmaceuticals, industry, transport and logistics, and other priority sectors will be at the center of investment and commercial discussions, with both governments committed to facilitating stronger public-private partnerships and expanding economic cooperation.
Expressing satisfaction over the preparations, Federal Minister Ahad Cheema said the visit would mark another significant milestone in the growing partnership between the two countries. He expressed confidence that the Five-Year Roadmap for Trade and Economic Cooperation would be signed during the visit, providing a comprehensive framework to expand bilateral trade, investment, connectivity, and economic collaboration in the years ahead.
The meeting was further informed that consensus has been reached on a number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements, which are expected to be signed during the visit. These agreements are aimed at enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors and creating new avenues for mutual economic growth.
Concluding the meeting, Federal Minister Ahad Cheema directed all concerned ministries and departments to ensure seamless coordination and timely completion of all arrangements. He emphasized that the visit presents a valuable opportunity to deepen economic ties, improve regional connectivity, promote investment, and unlock the vast trade potential between Pakistan and Uzbekistan for the mutual benefit of both countries.
