Uzbekistan, Pakistan Expand Leather Industry Ties

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan and Pakistan have discussed expanding cooperation in the leather industry during high-level talks held in Pakistan, focusing on boosting trade and strengthening sectoral ties.

The Uzbek delegation was led by Navoi region governor Normat Tursunov, with participation from Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Alisher Tukhtaev. On the Pakistani side, the meeting was attended by Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) Central Chairman Hamid Zahur, South Zone Chairman Dr. Daniyal Aman, and other representatives.

The discussions centered on the potential to increase bilateral trade in the leather sector. Zahur highlighted Pakistan’s interest in more actively utilizing Uzbekistan’s livestock-based raw materials and expanding exports of finished leather products to the Uzbek market, including garments, footwear, bags, and gloves.

He also noted that Uzbekistan could serve as a strategic transit hub for Pakistani leather goods entering Central Asian and Russian markets. According to Zahur, further development of cooperation would require regular engagement between business communities and increased exchange of visits.

Tursunov presented investment and business opportunities in the Navoi region, emphasizing the availability of resources in the livestock sector that could support the development of leather production and value chains involving Pakistani companies.

Ambassador Tukhtaev pointed to existing air connectivity between the two countries, noting that six weekly flights currently operate between Lahore, Islamabad, and Tashkent. He added that plans are underway to launch two weekly flights between Karachi and Tashkent starting in 2026, which is expected to further strengthen business and humanitarian ties.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Uzbek side invited representatives of the Pakistan Tanners Association to visit Uzbekistan and reaffirmed its readiness to support bilateral cooperation. The Pakistani side expressed appreciation for the engagement, with remarks delivered by Dr. Daniyal Aman.