ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of The Republic of Uzbekistan H.E Oybek Arif Usmanov visited Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce capital office in Islamabad and discussed matters of bilateral trade, mutual cooperation, investment, Pakistan Uzbekistan Business Council and exchange of trade delegations with the office bearers of FPCCI there.
President Atif Ikram Sheikh and his team welcomed the Ambassador on arrival at the capital office. Uzbek Trade Consul Mr. Bakurum Yusov also accompanied the Ambassador.
H.E Oybek Arif Usmanov said that Uzbekistan is organizing an International Business Forum on May 3 and 4, in which the FPCCI and the business community are invited to participate, while the Minister of Foreign Affairs will visit Pakistan next month, most probably in the second week of May. Foreign Minister and delegation will have G-to-G and B-to-B meetings during their visit.
“Trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan is suffering, we have to start The Afghanistan-Pakistan Corridor. Direct flights of Uzbekistan Airline will be started from Islamabad and Lahore, resolving visa issues soon, Ambassador noted.
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh said on the occasion that bilateral trade can be promoted in textile, pharmaceutical, rice, machinery, agriculture machinery, electro-technical and other sectors. We have to explore different avenues to further promote bilateral trade.
He added that FPCCI will participate in the single country exhibition to be held in Uzbekistan on June 28. Pakistanis have the problem of business , tourist visa, flights to Uzbekistan which should be solved. The first Gems and Jewellery Exhibition is being held in Pakistan in collaboration with TDAP and FPCCI in which Uzbek businessmen are welcome.
Chairman Capital Office Karim Aziz Malik, Convener Diplomatic Committee Ahmed Waheed, Vice President Ashfaq Ahmed, Chairman Coordination Malik Sohail Hussain, Acting President ICCI Fahad Waheed, Vice President Engineer Azharul Islam, Advisor Dr Afshan Malik, Executive Member Farrukh Alvi, Chairman Pakistan Russia Business Council Mohsin Sheikh and others were also present in the meeting.
Namangan Punjab Connection – Time to Tap the Potential -by Tazeen Akhtar Islamabad
