Pakistan signalled a renewed push to deepen economic integration with Central Asia as it inaugurated the 'Made in Uzbekistan' exhibition, underscoring efforts to convert political goodwill into tangible trade and industrial cooperation.

The exhibition, opened by Jam Kamal Khan on the sidelines of the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum, showcased a wide array of Uzbek industrial products and manufacturing capabilities. The event brought together senior officials from both countries, including Abdul Aleem Khan, Rana Tanveer Hussain, and Haroon Akhtar Khan.

At its core, the initiative reflects Islamabad's attempt to expand trade corridors and diversify economic partnerships. The commerce minister emphasised that structured frameworks such as the Preferential Trade Agreement and the Joint Business Council were being actively leveraged to boost bilateral commerce.

Officials highlighted that previous business forums between the two countries had already produced multiple memoranda of understanding and commercial arrangements. The current exhibition is expected to extend collaboration across sectors including textiles, leather, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, engineering, consumer goods and logistics.

During his tour of the exhibition stalls, Jam Kamal Khan pointed to the importance of such platforms in fostering joint ventures and enabling technology transfer. He argued that showcasing industrial capabilities can help translate diplomatic ties into measurable economic outcomes.

Pakistan's broader strategy also involves addressing logistical bottlenecks. The minister reiterated the country's commitment to facilitating Uzbek trade and transit, even as regional connectivity challenges persist. He stressed the need for alternative trade corridors to ensure uninterrupted commercial flows.

Other participants echoed similar priorities. Abdul Aleem Khan highlighted the role of improved infrastructure and connectivity in supporting rising trade volumes, while Rana Tanveer Hussain pointed to opportunities in agriculture, food processing and value-added exports. Haroon Akhtar Khan underlined the potential for manufacturing partnerships and investment in priority sectors.

The exhibition, held from February 5-6, 2026, serves as a platform for direct engagement between businesses from both countries. By bringing together exporters, manufacturers and policymakers, it aims to encourage long-term partnerships and expand bilateral trade.

In essence, the event illustrates a broader recalibration of Pakistan's trade policy-one that seeks to anchor growth in regional cooperation, industrial collaboration and diversified export markets.