ISLAMABAD: Uzbekistan, a landlocked Central Asian Republic has export markets in gulf countries, southeast Asia, Europe and Africa and using Pakistani ports will be easiest and cheapest route for the country, said Lt. Col. Saadullah Tashmatov Charge d’ Affairs/Defense Attache’ Embassy of Republic of Uzbekistan.
He called on Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Ali Haider Zaidi at his office. Jasur Saidahmedov, Third Secretary, Embassy of Republic of Uzbekistan and Secretary, Ministry of Maritime Affairs were also present at the meeting.
A dedicated terminal for goods from Central Asian States and ease in the transit after the completion of ML1 project was discussed in detail, the Minister said.
He said a dedicated shipping fleet for central Asian exports was also proposed. The trade volume of Uzbekistan and Pakistan has increased significantly in the past couple of years and with establishing an efficient trade corridor it will increase manifold.
“Pakistan has the requisite environment to benefit from this opportunity as the incumbent government’s business friendly policies and the new shipping policy will strengthen Pakistan’s role as the shortest and cheapest route to the world, hence making it a gateway to Central, South and Southeast Asia”, Ali Zaidi remarked.
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