For agreement at the Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement (QTTA) in a bid to utilise Karachi and Gwadar ports for its trade operations, Uzbekistan has officially asked for Pakistan’s support. The formal request has been made by Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Sardor Umurzakov by a video conference with Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce Razak Dawood. The Uzbekistan’s Ambassador in Pakistan Furqat Sidikov, also joined the meeting. A transit trade deal among Pakistan, China, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan to facilitate the passage of goods and traffic under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will provide access to China and the Central Asian States through Pakistani ports. Replying to the request, Dawood has guaranteed Pakistan’s support for Uzbekistan in QTTA as Pakistan plays a dominant role in the QTTA. CPEC is believed to be an alternative route bypassing Afghanistan and depending on on the Karakoram Highway via China to reach Central Asian States. Dawood explained to the Uzbek side that an MoU for Pakistan-Uzbekistan Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment will be prepared for signing after seeking approval from the cabinet of Pakistan. Thus, to enhance bilateral trade relations, establishing joint ventures in various areas including agriculture, textile, pharmaceuticals, tourism and construction, mutual efforts would be made.
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