Business Recorder
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Governor of Uzbekistan’s Navoiy Region, TURSUNOV Normat Tulkunovich, agreed to strengthen inter-regional cooperation in trade, investment, industry, agriculture, tourism and cultural exchanges, with a focus on translating Pakistan-Uzbekistan understandings into practical provincial-level partnerships. The understanding emerged during a high-level meeting at the CM House attended by a visiting Uzbek delegation, including Ambassador Alisher Khakimovich Tukhtaev, Deputy Governor GAFFOROV Elbek Istamovich, Mayor of Konimekh district RUZIEV Ruslan Nasirovich, Mayor of Navoiy city ERGASHEV Dilmurod Bekmradovich, Mayor of Uchquduq district ELMURATOV Uchkun Fayzullaevich, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of JSC “Navoiyazot” for Investments JURAEV Nazirjon Homidovich, Head of the “Navoi” Free Economic Zone BOTIROV Mekhroj Pulatovich, and senior officials of Navoiy region, and Sindh cabinet members and senior provincial officials. The CM was assisted by Minister Irrigation & P&D Jam Khan Shoro, Minister Culture Zulfiqar Shah, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, Acting CS/Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi, Secretary to CM Asif Jameel, Chairman P&D Board Najam Shah, Secretary Livestock Kazim Jatoi, ACS Local Govt Waseem Shamshad, Secretary Agriculture Zaman Narejo, Secretary Industries Shahia Jaffer, CEO Dhabeji Special Economic Zone Azeem Uqaili. Welcoming the delegation, the chief minister said Sindh attaches great importance to enhancing ties with Uzbekistan, particularly following recent engagements between the leadership of the two countries and the roadmap adopted under the Joint Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation (2026-30). The meeting discussed establishing institutional cooperation between Sindh and the Navoiy region, including direct government-to-government linkages, delegation exchanges, and sectoral collaboration in areas of mutual interest. Focus on investment, industry Murad Ali Shah highlighted Sindh’s industrial and investment potential, particularly opportunities in the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone, industrial parks, chemicals, textiles, SMEs and value-added manufacturing. He invited Uzbek investors to explore partnerships in Sindh. Both sides discussed cooperation between Sindh’s industrial sector and the Navoi Free Economic Zone, including prospects for joint ventures, business-to-business exchanges and trade promotion initiatives. Agriculture and livestock cooperation The two sides reviewed possibilities for collaboration in agriculture, including seed development, crop research, agri trade, livestock development, halal products and technology transfer. The chief minister said Sindh was keen to work with Uzbekistan on climate-resilient agriculture, water-efficient farming and agro-processing. Both sides agreed to move toward a structured framework for cooperation and to identify priority sectors for follow-up action through relevant departments and institutions. Shah said Sindh was ready to transform diplomatic goodwill into practical partnerships. “There is immense scope for mutually beneficial cooperation in industry, agriculture, tourism and investment, and Sindh is prepared to play a proactive role,” he said. Governor Tursunov expressed interest in building direct ties with Sindh and expanding cooperation through institutional linkages, business collaboration and exchange of expertise. The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to pursue a roadmap for sustained provincial-level engagement aimed at promoting trade, investment and broader economic cooperation between Sindh and Uzbekistan’s Navoiy region. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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