LAHORE: Governor Punjab Muhammad Baligh ur Rehman was called on by Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Oybek Arif Usmanov and discussed with him issues of mutual interest and ways to expand bilateral cooperation in the field of education and trade.
The meeting held at Governor House Lahore was also attended by Honorary Consul of Uzbekistan in Punjab, Najeeb Mushtaq Vohra and Trade Counsellor, Bakrom Yusupov.
Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Baligh ur Rehman said that friendly relations of Pakistan with Uzbekistan are getting stronger with each passing day and will be further strengthened in the near future.
He said that both countries need to revive and strengthen their centuries-old trade, spiritual, cultural and historical ties. He said that tourism was a priority sector for both countries as it has great economic potential.
The Governor Punjab said that people associated with the media industry of both countries can work together on joint projects to highlight the common cultural heritage. He said that trade has increased manifold in recent years. He said, “I am confident that the PTA Preferential Trade Agreement and the UPTTA Uzbekistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement will enhance our bilateral trade and economic relations.”
He said that there was a need to further promote mutual cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan in other important sectors including education and trade. He said that there was a great scope of investment in agriculture, information technology, energy and mining sectors in Pakistan.
Balighur Rehman said that special facilities are being given to foreign investors through the Special Investment Council in Pakistan. He said that there should be maximum exchange of student delegations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan so that they can benefit from each other in the field of education and research.
Governor Punjab also assured support for starting scholarships for Uzbek students in Pakistani universities. He further said that stability in the region was in the interest of all countries, for which all, including neighboring countries, need to work together.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador of Uzbekistan Obek Arif Usmanov said that Pakistan and Uzbekistan have excellent and cordial relations. He said that Uzbekistan wants to further strengthen its bilateral relations between the two countries in trade, culture and other fields.
