- Appointment Expected to Strengthen Bilateral Trade, Investment, Pharmaceutical Cooperation, Tourism and People-to-People Ties
ISLAMABAD: In a significant development for Uzbekistan–Pakistan relations, prominent Pakistani businessman and public figure Khalid Mahmood has been appointed Honorary Consul of Uzbekistan in Pakistan’s Sindh Province, opening new avenues for bilateral trade, investment, economic partnership and people-to-people engagement.
The appointment reflects the shared commitment of Uzbekistan and Pakistan to further strengthen their longstanding friendship and transform their close diplomatic relations into greater economic opportunities, stronger business partnerships and expanded cooperation across multiple sectors.
As Honorary Consul, Khalid Mahmood is expected to play an important role in promoting the legitimate interests of Uzbek citizens residing in Sindh and neighbouring areas, while facilitating closer engagement between government institutions, business communities and other stakeholders in both countries.
Expanding Trade, Investment and Business Partnerships
One of the key priorities of the Honorary Consul’s role will be to encourage stronger commercial relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. His responsibilities will include facilitating business-to-business connections, attracting Pakistani investors to Uzbekistan, promoting Uzbek products in Pakistani markets and exploring new opportunities for joint ventures and industrial collaboration.
With its growing economic potential, strategic location and expanding regional connectivity, Uzbekistan offers promising opportunities for Pakistani businesses in pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and other sectors. Similarly, Pakistan’s large consumer market, industrial capacity and access to regional trade networks can provide Uzbek enterprises with new opportunities to expand their commercial presence.
Khalid Mahmood’s extensive experience in international business and pharmaceutical industry management is expected to contribute to the development of practical initiatives that connect companies, encourage investment and promote mutually beneficial economic cooperation.
Pharmaceutical Industry Offers New Opportunities
The pharmaceutical sector represents a particularly promising area of cooperation between the two countries. Pakistan has developed significant expertise in pharmaceutical manufacturing and exports, while Uzbekistan continues to explore opportunities to strengthen its domestic pharmaceutical industry and expand healthcare-related investment.
Khalid Mahmood serves as Chairman of Getz Pharma Pvt. Ltd. in Pakistan, Getz Pharma International FZ LLC in the United Arab Emirates, and Scitech International DMCC. His professional experience spans pharmaceutical manufacturing, international business management, investment, export development and institutional growth.
Getz Pharma has established a presence across markets in Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Africa and the Middle East. An important milestone in its regional expansion was the establishment of Novugen Pharma FE LLC in Uzbekistan in 2018.
This business experience could provide a valuable foundation for encouraging further pharmaceutical cooperation, technology exchange, investment and the development of commercial links between Pakistani and Uzbek enterprises.
Cooperation Beyond Trade and Commerce
The Honorary Consul’s role will also encompass broader areas of bilateral engagement, including science, medicine, education, culture and humanitarian cooperation. Facilitating appropriate arrangements related to labour migration and supporting stronger connections between the peoples of the two countries are also among the priorities outlined for the position.
Tourism is another area with considerable potential. Greater promotion of Uzbekistan’s historical cities, cultural heritage and tourism attractions among Pakistani travellers could complement efforts to increase people-to-people exchanges. Likewise, Pakistan’s diverse landscapes, cultural heritage and hospitality offer opportunities to attract more visitors from Uzbekistan.
Closer cooperation among universities, medical institutions, cultural organisations and business associations could further diversify bilateral relations and create lasting partnerships beyond traditional diplomatic channels.
Khalid Mahmood Pledges to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation
Welcoming his appointment, Khalid Mahmood described the position as both a great honour and a significant responsibility. He expressed his commitment to using his professional experience, knowledge and business networks to strengthen cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
“I am delighted to have been appointed Honorary Consul of Uzbekistan in Sindh Province. This great honour places an even greater responsibility on my shoulders. I will devote all my knowledge and resources to developing cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, strengthening business ties between companies in the two countries, and implementing initiatives aimed at attracting investment,” he said.
His statement underscores the importance of translating the goodwill between the two countries into practical initiatives that benefit businesses, investors, institutions and ordinary citizens.
Building on a Strong Foundation of Friendship
Uzbekistan and Pakistan enjoy friendly relations supported by shared historical connections, cultural affinities and growing economic interests. Their cooperation encompasses trade, investment, education, science, healthcare, tourism and cultural exchange.
The appointment of an Honorary Consul in Sindh is expected to provide an additional channel for facilitating engagement between the two countries’ business communities and identifying opportunities for stronger commercial and institutional partnerships.
As both countries seek to expand regional economic connectivity and diversify their international partnerships, closer collaboration between Pakistani enterprises and Uzbek industries could help unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth.
Khalid Mahmood’s appointment therefore represents a promising opportunity to reinforce the longstanding friendship between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, strengthen economic diplomacy and advance a more dynamic partnership built on mutual trust, investment and shared prosperity.
BY: The Times Union
