Uzbekistan’s Ambassador Announces Direct Flight Plan from Pakistan for This Year
*Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, announced the ambition of establishing a direct flight route between Uzbekistan and Karachi by this year. He emphasized that such an initiative is expected “to bolster ties”. This news was made during his official visit on January 2-4 to Karachi where he engaged with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), as well as local chambers and business community.
The Ambassador recalled that Uzbekistan’s relations have been built upon shared cultural values since ancient times, while also acknowledging its importance for regional connectivity in contemporary times. He mentioned the launching of direct flights between Tashkent & Lahore as a concrete step taken by their government towards achieving this vision and stressed that efforts were being made to enhance economic ties with Pakistan.
He then stated: “Our two nations are closer than ever, thanks the realization of long-awaitedvision of regional connectivity.” He also highlights the introduction of a visa-friendly regime for Pakistani nationals in September 2023 which is set to boost business and tourism travel.
On trade, Ambassador Tukhtaev shared that bilateral trade has tripled over five years with an increase from $122 million (in the fiscal year of FY-2019) to a record high of $387 million in 2023. He further encouraged Pakistani businesses for potential collaborations especially within sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals and leather goods manufacturing which he mentioned are still not fully exploited despite being crucial industries.
Moreover, an upcoming “Made in Uzbekistan” industrial exhibition is planned to be held in Karachi this year after its success when Pakistanis were invited for the first time last September 2023 at their made-in-Uzbekistan event hosted here.
He further extended an invitation towards Pakistani business delegates from KCCI (Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry) to visit Uzbekistan which will be accompanied by full support for all the necessary arrangements including facilitating government-to-business meetings. Ambassador Tukhtaev assured that “Uzbekistan offers a safe, conducive and liberal environment” ideal not only for investment but also to boost business collaborations across various sectors.
To conclude his visit, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment towards enhancing regional connectivity as well as strengthening bilateral relations between both nations. He expressed that the launch of direct flight route is just a part and there are several more steps in line to be taken for promoting economic ties.
- – Direct Flight Route:
- – Soft Visa Regime:
- – Trade:
- Bilateral trade has tripled from $122 million (FY 2019) to a record high of $387m in FY 2023 Ambassador Tukhtaev mentioned.
- – Industrial Exhibition:
“Made In Uzbekistan” industrial exhibition is planned to be held this year at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, which was a success during last September 2023 when Pakistanis were first invited.
- – Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev assured the business community that “Uzbekistan offers an environment ideal for investing” and extending support in facilitating necessary arrangements to Pakistani delegates visit Uzbekistan.
- – Regional Connectivity:
- Conclusion:
“Uzbekistan seeks establishment of a direct link between Tashkent and Karachi airports by this year” Ambassador Alisher stated. This will not only save time but also boost business, tourism travel.
“Our government has taken several steps to ensure visas for Pakistanis are easier in September 2023” Ambassador Alisher stated. This is set to encourage business and tourism travel between the two countries.
“Realization of long-awaited vision” Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev spoke about this which is aiming at establishing a stronger regional connectivity. He emphasized on the significance for our region’s future prosperity.
