By Asgher Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: Rana Muhammad Siddique Khan, the President of the Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), announced plans to lead a business delegation to Uzbekistan. This initiative underscores Uzbekistan’s importance as a key trade partner for Pakistan, particularly through the efforts of the Gujranwala business community. During a recent meeting at the Uzbek Embassy in Islamabad, Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev and Rana Siddique Khan discussed strategies to promote bilateral trade and economic relations.
The GCCI president highlighted the vital role of Gujranwala’s industrial sector, which contributes approximately eight percent to Pakistan’s GDP and is responsible for $2.5 billion in exports. This positions Gujranwala as a significant player in the nation’s economy and revenue generation. Khan noted the presence of around 18,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Gujranwala, emphasizing their essential role in supporting the country’s economic framework. He reiterated the potential for deeper economic integration between Pakistan and Central Asian states, particularly Uzbekistan, and stressed the importance of collaborative efforts for shared prosperity in the region.
He remarked that the current trade volume of $400 million between the two countries is significantly below its potential. To foster this relationship, Khan mentioned that the GCCI is already engaged in various sectors in Uzbekistan and is committed to expanding these business activities. He welcomed the Uzbek Embassy’s efforts to facilitate visa processes and enhance trade relations, advocating for direct flights between Pakistan and Uzbekistan as a necessary step to bolster economic cooperation.
