Zaidi and Umurzakov talk use of seaports to connect CARs to world

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Uzbekistan have discussed establishment of trade routes and utilisation of Pakistani seaports to connect Central Asian Republics to the world.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Syed Ali Haider Zaidi held a meeting with Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister for Investment and Foreign Trade, Sardor Umurzakov here on Friday. They discussed establishment of trade routes and utilization of Pakistani seaports to connect Central Asian Republics to the world.
A dedicated terminal for goods from Central Asian States and ease in transit after the completion of ML-1, project was discussed in detail. A shipping fleet for central Asian exports was also proposed.
The meeting approved formation of a joint working group to further discuss the modalities for the execution of this plan.
The minister said Pakistan would utilize its potential of regional connectivity by linking landlocked Central Asian Republics to the world through seaports.
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.
The Uzbek delegation included the first deputy minister of foreign affairs, first deputy minister for foreign trade and investments, deputy minister of transport and chairman of Uzbekistan Airways JSC.
Uzbekistan, a landlocked Central Asian Republic has export markets in gulf countries, southeast Asia, Europe and Africa. The cheapest route is through Pakistani ports. – TLTP