Pakistan and Uzbekistan held the 10th session of the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) in Islamabad. Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production, and Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, jointly chaired the meeting.
During the session, both sides reviewed their bilateral relations and agreed on a future plan to strengthen cooperation in key economic and social sectors. Officials expressed satisfaction over the progress made since the last IGC meeting in 2025 and showed commitment to further expand trade, investment, and economic ties.
Pakistan and Uzbekistan stressed the importance of the Preferential Trade Agreement and welcomed progress under Phase II concessions. They agreed to speed up institutional work to reach the target of $2 billion in bilateral trade.
The two sides also focused on improving trade facilitation, logistics, and customs digitalization. They discussed transit trade cooperation, regional trade corridors, and stronger business-to-business links. Both countries agreed to make visa procedures easier for business communities.
In addition, Pakistan and Uzbekistan decided to form their first Joint Working Group on labor relations. This group will work on labor mobility, skills development, workplace safety, and employment visa issues.
In the transport and communication sector, both sides welcomed plans for direct air services and reviewed progress on railway and regional connectivity projects. They also agreed to explore alternative transport routes to improve trade and transit links.
Agriculture and food security remained a key area of cooperation. The two countries welcomed progress on agreements that allow Uzbekistan to export fruits to Pakistan. They also agreed to expand cooperation in plant protection, livestock development, and agricultural research.
In education, science, and technology, both sides supported joint research, student and faculty exchanges, technical training, and innovation to strengthen long-term cooperation.
