Federal Minister for Planning and Development Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar has underlined that establishing transport and energy corridors will not only enhance regional connectivity but also boost trade and investment.

The Minister said this during a delegation level meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Elyor Majidovich Ganiyev in Islamabad on Monday.

He said Uzbek companies can develop production lines in special economic zones under CPEC framework for mutual benefit of both countries.

The minister added that Pakistan is committed to CASA-1000 energy project being financed by World Bank.

Makhdum Khusro apprised that Pakistan is planning to upgrade its railway system from Peshawar to Karachi to further boost economic activities.

Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan informed that his country has constructed a railway line from Tashkent to Mazar-e-Sharif which can be extended to Peshawar thereby enhancing regional connectivity and trade. 

The Minister stressed the need to strengthen regional connectivity through various road and railway infrastructure projects for benefit of all member countries.