Islamabad:
Pakistan would encourage airlines in the private sector to accelerate commercial and tourist ties with Uzbekistan to stimulate cooperation between two countries in the tourism sector, the Prime Minister’s special assistant (SAPM) on the Haroon Akhtar Khan industries announced on Friday.
Khan held a meeting with the Minister of Tourism Uzbekistan Umid Shadiev to deepen bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector, said a press release.
Uzbekistan ambassador to Pakistan Alisher Tukhtaev was also present on this occasion.
During the meeting, the two parties underlined the vast potential for bilateral collaboration in the field of tourism.
Khan said Pakistan was fully ready to cooperate with Uzbekistan to strengthen tourism ties, promote cultural exchange and preserve shared heritage.
Khan announced that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), on the Prime Minister’s directives, would begin international flights to Uzbekistan.
In addition, he added, private airlines would also be committed to accelerating commercial and tourist links.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has considered historic projects in the fields of tourism, heritage and people’s exchanges,” said Khan. “Efforts are underway to facilitate travelers from the two countries, including the softening of visa processes and travel services,” he added.
He stressed that time had come to turn to Central Asia, which offered immense possibilities of economic and cultural growth.
He stressed that tourism played a vital role in improving GDP and exports.
Shadiev appreciated the growing bilateral links and mentioned that several understanding memorandums (MOUS) had already been signed between the two countries. He also stressed the importance of encouraging people who work hard from the two nations through mutual cooperation.
