Pak-Uzbek trade ties to grow more: ICCI

Islamabad: Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Ijaz Abbasi said on Wednesday that Pakistan would make all-out efforts to improve economic and trade relations with Uzbekistan. Taking to Uzbek ambassador to Pakistan Oybek O Usmanov, Ijaz said Pakistan's economy was rapidly growing due to which its energy needs were increasing at 10 percent per annum.

Ijaz assured the ambassador that a trade delegation of ICCI would visit Uzbekistan in April. He emphasised the need to exchange trade delegations between the two countries to further cement bilateral ties in various sectors.

Both sides decided that a MoU should be signed between ICCI and Tashkent to promote trade and investment. Uzbek ambassador offered Pakistan help to enhance bilateral trade with his country, adding that his country could supply oil, gas, electricity, cotton and minerals such as copper, gold, iron, chromium and lead to Pakistan, while in return Pakistan could export textiles, cement, medicines, shoes, machinery, garments, military and telecommunication equipment's.

Uzbek ambassador said it was the policy of Uzbek government to facilitate Pakistani investors. As a result of investor-friendly policy, a number of Pakistani entrepreneurs have set up industries there. He also offered Pakistan aeroplane on lease.