ISLAMABAD: Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev is set to arrive in Islamabad on Monday evening for a two-day official visit that could mark a significant milestone in economic cooperation between Pakistan and Central Asia.
The visit, scheduled for July 20-21, is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral trade, investment, transport, logistics, and regional connectivity. Officials from both countries are also likely to finalize an expanded Pakistan-Uzbekistan Transit Trade Agreement, paving the way for smoother cross-border commerce.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, both sides are expected to sign a protocol introducing amendments and expansion to the existing transit trade framework. One of the most significant developments under consideration is the inclusion of the China Corridor as an additional trade route.
The proposed arrangement is designed to ensure uninterrupted movement of goods despite evolving regional security challenges. By incorporating the China corridor into the transit network, Pakistan and Uzbekistan hope to create a more resilient and diversified supply chain linking South Asia, Central Asia, and China.
If approved, the revised agreement will enable Pakistan and other regional partners to access Central Asian markets through China while allowing Uzbekistan to maintain reliable access to Pakistan’s seaports. Officials believe the move could boost trade volumes, reduce logistical bottlenecks, and strengthen regional economic integration.
Beyond transit trade, the two countries are expected to hold comprehensive discussions on expanding cooperation in investment, infrastructure development, transportation, logistics, and industrial collaboration. Progress is also anticipated on a five-year Trade and Economic Cooperation Roadmap, aimed at deepening long-term economic ties and identifying new areas for joint development.
A major highlight of the visit will be a Business-to-Business (B2B) Forum, where representatives from more than 100 Uzbek companies are expected to meet Pakistani business leaders and investors. The forum will provide opportunities to explore partnerships across sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and logistics.
The visit comes as Pakistan seeks to strengthen economic links with Central Asian nations and position itself as a regional trade and transit hub. Improved connectivity through modern transport corridors is seen as a key pillar of Islamabad’s strategy to expand exports, attract foreign investment, and enhance regional cooperation.
With several agreements expected to advance during the high-level meetings, officials from both countries are optimistic that the visit will open a new chapter in Pakistan-Uzbekistan economic relations and accelerate efforts to build stronger commercial links across the region.
