Tazeen Akhtar
The government of the Republic of Uzbekistan has appointed Mr. Bakhrom Yusupov.
as Trade Counsellor in Pakistan. He is the first diplomat to assume this responsibility with the special task of increasing bilateral cooperation in the above-mentioned sectors. This speaks a lot about the keenness of brotherly Uzbekistan to enhance the present level of trade with Pakistan. 
Mr. Bakhrom arrived in Pakistan a couple of weeks ago and started work on his job immediately. He is enthusiastic to take the level of bilateral trade to its exact potential. He also enjoys Ambassador Aybek Arif Usmanov’s work and experience as torch-bearing guidance and support for him. He is keen to meet the business community leaders and discuss new avenues of mutual cooperation.
Pakistan’s Exports to Uzbekistan were US$48.79 Million in 2021, while Uzbekistan’s Exports to Pakistan were US$126.64 Million in 2021, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. The figures show that the trade balance is in Uzbekistan’s favor. Pakistan can increase exports to Uzbekistan when the interaction and communication means between the two countries improve with the appointment of the trade counselor.
Ambassador Aybek Arif Usmanov said in an interview the current bilateral trade is $180 million, which is expected to reach $1 billion in the next two years.The implementation of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) is going on and bilateral trade will further develop as a result. Negotiations will be held every year to review the PTA between the two countries along with online discussions regarding tariff rationalization to make it productive for both countries. Currently, mutual trade barriers and customs were a cause of concern and needed timely solutions to be resolved. A Transit Trade agreement has been signed between Pakistan and Uzbekistan last year, which will promote mutual trade.
Pakistan and Uzbekistan have successfully experienced the truck trade through Afghanistan in 2021. Further, the trilateral train project between Uzbekistan Afghanistan, and Pakistan is being seen as the flagship project that can change the entire scenario of the 3 countries’ trade, tourism, and connectivity. The tripartite Transport and Logistic conference was held in Uzbekistan, last year, in which the transport and communication ministers of Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan participated, and several problems were resolved through mutual discussions. China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan railway lines would be connected to Jalalabad and Peshawar railway lines from Termez in Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan has already announced the establishment of the International Temiz Cargo Center, which will facilitate traders from all three countries. Both countries are working on rail and road networks for regional economic and trade integration, to connect countries such as China, Central Asia, and other South Asian countries in terms of trade, and to promote economic relations with Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) members.
