Experts discuss emerging socioeconomic, political scenario of Central and South Asia

Developmental strategies of President Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Imran Khan to foster regional connectivity

ISLAMABAD, FEB 25: A Roundtable discussion "State and Prospects for the Development of Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan’’ was held between the delegation of scholars from Uzbekistan and Pakistan. The event was organized by Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad.

The discussion commenced with the welcome address by Lieutenant General Aamer Riaz, HI (M), (Retd), President, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad.

He welcomed the delegation of experts from Uzbekistan and all the worthy speaker. He shed light on the emerging socioeconomic and political scenario of Central and South Asia.

He stated that peace in Afghanistan is crucial for economic expansion. He also enlightened the audience about the prospects of cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

Ambassador Doniyor Kmuqurbanov, Director, Information and Analytical Center for International Relations, Uzbekistan shared his keynote remarks. He thanked Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS) for organizing the discussion on significant theme.

He stated that Pakistan and Uzbekistan relationship has been touching new heights due to cooperation in number of fields. He discussed developmental strategies of President Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Imran Khan to foster regional connectivity.

While enlightening the audience, Ambassador Doniyor also expressed his desire to enhance coordination with Pakistan’s institutions, especially CGSS.

The theme of the first session was ‘’Strengthening trade and economic ties between Uzbekistan and Pakistan’’.

Prof. Dr. Shabbir Ahmed Khan, Director, Area Study Center (Russia, China, and Central Asia), University of Peshawar, Peshawar shared his expert opinion while highlighting significance of economic expansion between Pakistan and Uzbekistan vis-à-vis enhancing tourism.

He stated that it is essential to increase trade and production in textile, leather and other areas between both countries. Prof. Shabbir suggested that direct flights must be revive between both countries.

It is imperative to provide an impetus to foster economic cooperation via logistic corridor, i.e., Khyber-Pass Economic Corridor. For this, peace in Afghanistan is necessary. He stated that chambers from both countries must be taken on board.

Dr. Anvar Kobilov, Head of the sector in Center for Economic Research and Reforms under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan stated that trade cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan has increased by five times in the last five years.

In 2021, trade turnover remained $181million. He enlightened the audience that 71 MOUs have been signed in different areas, which are significant to solidify joint relations.

Dr. Anvar also proposed future prospects for joint ventures between Pakistan and Uzbekistan while highlighting existing potential.

The theme of the second session was Enhancing connection of Central and South Asian regions: Vision of Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

Mr. Ashfaq Ahmed Gondal, Former Federal Secretary of Information and Broadcasting stated that connectivity is a cornerstone for enhancing coordination.

He stated that Mizar-e-Sharif Kabul Peshawar rail project is significant for economic expansion and build relations at higher level. Mr Ashfaq also shed light on the grand concept of Central-South Asia regional connectivity. 

He stated that strengthening people-to-people contacts are necessary to revive centuries old ties and spiritual legacy between Central-South Asia.

Ambassador Sherzod Fayziev, Head of the Department of the International Institute for Central Asia highlighted four priority areas given by President of Uzbekistan, Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

He stated that these major areas became roadmap to enhance coordination with neighboring countries and economic turnover. Ambassador Sherzod Fayziev stated that all Central Asian countries are interested to enhance cooperation with Pakistan.

He also highlighted Prime Minister Imran Khan’s ‘’vision Central Asia’’ via Afghanistan. He suggested that expansion in trade development, energy, industrial products, transport & logistics and fight against terrorism must be prioritized.  In this aspect, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) can be a great platform to reach towards culture and humanitarian cooperation.

The theme of the third session was Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan on combating terrorism and drug trafficking.

Mian Abdul Rauf, Former Advocate-General Islamabad & Prosecutor General of Pakistan under the Protection of Pakistan Act shared his expert opinion by explaining role of Shanghai Cooperation Organization in order to deepen coordination between regional countries and tackle common threats, i.e., combating terrorism.

He stated that the key to connectivity is to enhance joint cooperation in business, trade, and commerce.

If these areas are disrupted by terrorism, it will have negative consequences. Thus, he suggested that there is a need to share information, knowledge, and expertise to combat joint threats and dispute management. 

Dr. Marat Aitov, Head of the Department of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan stated that peace in Afghanistan is important to counter drug trafficking and terrorism. He discussed that Pakistan-Uzbekistan security commission has been established and this commission will work effectively to counter joint threats.

Dr. Marat suggested that there is a need to counter threats from cyber-site because cyber-attacks have been increased. Thus, a resilient framework with a holistic approach can help counter grave threats.

Major General Hafiz Masroor Ahmed, (Retd, Senior Vice President, CGSS stated that peace in Afghanistan is crucial for sustainable development and economic expansion with Central Asia. In this regard, Pakistan and Uzbekistan must devise a holistic framework to curb rising tensions and indulge countries in regional cooperation.

Raja Muqsit Nawaz Khan, CEO, Raja Haq Nawaz Khan Law Associates (RHNKLA) discussed prospects for collaboration between Central-South Asia. He stated that Uzbekistan is playing an instrumental role in reviving Central-South Asian regional connectivity. 

In this aspect, legal framework must be established to counter common threats with a shared approach.  He also highlighted business-to-business prospects between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

Ambassador Doniyor Kurbanov, Director of Information and Analytical Center for International Relations gave the closing remarks. He thanked all the participants and speakers for a constructive discussion on enhancing Pakistan-Uzbekistan bilateral relations and resolving common issues with a shared approach.

He stated that peace and stability in Afghanistan is vital for our joint cooperation. Ambassador Kurbanov also suggested ways to stimulate Pakistan-Uzbekistan connectivity in number of areas.

Lieutenant General Aamer Riaz, HI(M), (Retd), President, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad also thanked scholar/expert delegation from Uzbekistan.

He stated that Pakistan wants to take bilateral strategic relationship to the next level in order to solve Afghanistan crisis. He stated that there is a lot of business opportunities between both countries. Thus, it will gain momentum in the days to come.

Senior management of Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS) presented the delegation from Uzbekistan a book ‘His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev: A Visionary Statesman’’.

The book is published by CGSS and an important step to enhance people-to-people contacts and understand Uzbekistan’s policies in multiple aspects. CGSS memento was also presented to Ambassador Doniyor Kurbanov, Director of Information and Analytical Center for International Relations. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, CGSS.

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