Uzbekistan's Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, has announced the launch of a new direct flight route between Uzbekistan and Karachi in 2025. This initiative marks a significant step in bolstering the bilateral relationship between the two nations, fostering regional connectivity, and strengthening economic ties.
Enhancing Regional Connectivity
Speaking during his official visit to Karachi from January 2-4, Ambassador Tukhtaev addressed the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), and local business leaders. He emphasized the shared cultural and historical ties between the two countries and highlighted their progress toward enhanced regional connectivity.
Uzbekistan has implemented initiatives such as a soft visa regime for Pakistani citizens since September 2023 and launched direct flights between Tashkent and Lahore, facilitating easier travel for business and tourism. The upcoming Karachi flight is set to further strengthen these connections.
Rising Trade and Economic Cooperation
The ambassador noted that trade between the two countries has tripled over the past five years, reaching $387 million in 2023, compared to $122 million in 2019. Sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, leather, food processing, and agribusiness have significant potential for collaboration.
The success of the “Made in Pakistan” exhibition held in Tashkent last June was also commended for fostering new trade and investment agreements. Building on this success, Ambassador Tukhtaev announced plans for a “Made in Uzbekistan” industrial exhibition in Karachi later this year.
Investment Opportunities in Uzbekistan
The ambassador invited a delegation from KCCI to visit Uzbekistan to explore investment opportunities in regions like Bukhara, Sirdarya, Surkhondarya, and Kashkadarya. He assured full support for arranging government-to-business (G2B) and business-to-business (B2B) meetings during these visits, highlighting Uzbekistan’s safe and conducive investment environment.
PAA Addresses Wildlife Incident at Karachi Airport
In a separate development, the Director General of Airports, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Zeeshan Saeed, convened a meeting to address social media videos of stray dogs in the General Aviation Area of Jinnah International Airport. The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) emphasized that airside areas are under 24/7 surveillance with comprehensive safety measures in place.
The PAA confirmed that no flight cancellations or wildlife-related incidents affecting operations had been reported. The authority reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest safety and security standards across all facilities.
Conclusion
The initiatives announced during Ambassador Tukhtaev’s visit and the measures taken by the PAA underscore a shared commitment to progress and safety. As Uzbekistan and Pakistan continue to deepen ties, these developments promise to open new avenues for trade, tourism, and collaboration, further cementing their partnership.
0 Comments