Global Rice News

Ambassador of The Republic of Uzbekistan Oybek Arif Usmanov recently met with FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh at the capital office in Islamabad. During the meeting, they discussed various issues related to bilateral trade, mutual cooperation, investment, the Pakistan Uzbekistan Business Council, and the exchange of trade delegations. Bakurum Yusov, the Economic and Trade Consul of Uzbekistan, also accompanied the ambassador.

President Atif Ikram Sheikh expressed that Pakistan and Uzbekistan are brotherly countries, and over the years, Pakistan’s exports to Uzbekistan have steadily increased. However, there is still room for further growth, especially in sectors such as textile, pharmaceuticals, rice, machinery, agriculture machinery, and electrotechnical. President Atif emphasized the need to explore different avenues to enhance bilateral trade.

Furthermore, President Atif announced Pakistan’s participation in a single country exhibition to be held in Uzbekistan on June 28. He raised concerns regarding business visas, tourist visas, and flights to Uzbekistan, urging for solutions to these issues. President Atif also highlighted the upcoming Gems and Jewellery Exhibition in Pakistan, organized in collaboration with TDAP and the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He invited Uzbek businessmen from the sector to participate and requested the ambassador to provide their names.

Ambassador Oybek Arif Usmanov shared that Uzbekistan is organizing an International Business Forum on May 3 and 4, inviting the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the business community to participate. Additionally, the Minister of Uzbek Foreign Affairs is scheduled to visit Pakistan on May 9-10, which will include G2B and B2B meetings. The ambassador acknowledged that trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan has been hindered due to the Afghanistan situation and emphasized the need to establish the Afghanistan-Pakistan Corridor. He also announced the commencement of direct flights from Islamabad and Lahore and expressed the intention to resolve visa issues soon.

The meeting was attended by Karim Aziz Malik, Chairman of FPCCI Capital Office, Ahmed Waheed, Convener of Diplomatic Committee FPCCI, Ashfaq Ahmed, Vice President FPCCI, Malik Sohail Hussain, Chairman of Coordination, Fahad Waheed, Acting President ICCI, Engineer Azharul Islam, Vice President, Dr Afshan Malik, Advisor President FPCCI, Farrukh Alvi, Executive Member FPCCI, Mohsin Sheikh, Chairman of Pakistan Russia Business Council, and others.

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