Visa Consular Shukhrat Zaripov and Commercial Attache Jasur Saydakhmedov from Uzbekistan Embassy in Pakistan said that Uzbekistan was listed on top among countries producing the best quality cotton and talks were underway for cooperation with Pakistan on cotton production technology.
Addressing a gathering of industrialists and business persons at the Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) here on Thursday, they dilated that Uzbekistan produced the best cotton seed after the best research efforts, adding that the Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture (MNSUA) Multan was in contact with Uzbekistan authorities and talks were underway for cooperation in cotton production technology.
They said that relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan were improving and Pakistanis were being issued visas after five to seven days of filing applications, adding that Uzbekistan was pursuing same visa policy for trade and tourism delegations or individuals. Tourism aspirants get one-month visa while those who apply for trade get six months to one year visa, they added.
They said that trade, political and cultural relations between the two countries were improving, however, efforts were afoot to remove hurdles in transportation between the two countries and streamline cooperation in banking sector. They said that transportation to Uzbekistan was difficult due to situation in Afghanistan but some companies opt for travel through Iran, which, however, was a costly affair. There exist numerous opportunities for the two countries for joint ventures in medicines, agriculture and industrial products. Pakistanis could export fruit and vegetables, particularly from South Punjab, to Uzbekistan, they added.
They said that Uzbekistan was on top of list among countries producing the best quality cotton. Uzbekistan utilises 60 per cent of the cotton production at home and rest is exported to other countries at comparatively lower price. They said that Uzbekistan was a big consumer market and products produced there carry European Union Certification.
MCCI president, Malik Israr Ahmad Awan, said that the two countries should improve cooperation in energy, transport, communications, agro-based industries, security, tourism and culture and suggested frequent exchange of trade delegations through chambers of commerce, and private sector could play a dynamic role that would be result oriented.
He said that cooperation in tourism could bring financial benefits for both countries, adding that religious tourism can be promoted as mausoleums of eminent Muslim personalities were present in both countries. The MCCI president proposed joint ventures for manufacturing quality Uzbekistan agriculture machinery in Pakistan.
MCCI Vice President Khawaja Farooq said that Uzbekistan products packing did not carry details in English language and lack of communication in banking systems of two countries were creating difficulties for the business community.
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