F.P. Report
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning and Development Khusro Bakhtyar has said that joint ventures in various areas can boost regional trade and tourism as well as enhance regional integration.
He was talking to Ambassador of Uzbekistan Furqat Sidiqov, who called on him in Islamabad today (Saturday).
The Uzbek ambassador informed the minister that a proposal for 700 km long railway line is in the pipeline which will pass through Uzbekistan, Russia, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Khusro Bakhtyar said the project will boost regional trade and connectivity benefiting the member countries.
The Minister apprised that other infrastructure projects are also in pipeline for development of North-South connectivity besides the proposed corridor between Torkham and Dushanbe.
He stated that Uzbekistan and Pakistan enjoy excellent relations and noted with appreciation that bilateral cooperation has increased manifold in various areas.
He emphasized the need to explore more possibilities of cooperation and initiate joint ventures in oil and gas, agriculture, food, textile, construction and infrastructure areas.
