ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia), Sep 28 (IN): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal has called for translating Pakistan-Uzbekistan political understanding into bankable projects, stronger investment and measurable economic outcomes, with particular emphasis on the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway.During a meeting with an Uzbek delegation led by Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Ilzat Kasimov on the sidelines of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Programme, the minister highlighted the importance of regional connectivity, investment and international financing.Ahsan Iqbal stressed the need to expedite the UAP Railway feasibility study, identify multilateral and bilateral financing sources and prepare a clear implementation roadmap.
He proposed a Pakistan-Uzbekistan Joint Financing Coordination Mechanism to engage international financial institutions and development partners.The minister said the railway should form part of an integrated economic corridor connecting railways, highways, logistics networks, ports and industrial centres. He also called for greater investment and joint ventures in textiles, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, minerals, engineering and information technology.“Our objective should be simple: connect our markets, mobilise investment, develop projects and deliver tangible economic benefits to both countries,” he said.Both sides agreed to strengthen economic cooperation and convert existing agreements into concrete projects backed by clear timelines and financing arrangements.
