Pakistani companies show interest in investing in sugar, footwear and tire production in Tashkent region

Within the framework of a working visit to the city of Lahore, a delegation of Uzbekistan led by Zoyir Mirzaev, Khokim (Governor) of the Tashkent region and Alisher Tukhtaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan, held negotiations with heads of leading industrial companies in Pakistan, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

During the meetings, issues of expanding investment cooperation, developing industrial coordination and implementing joint projects were discussed.

Delegation members met with Salman Yunus, CEO of one of Pakistan’s largest industrial groups, “Omni Group of Companies”. During the conversation, the primary focus was on establishing sugar supplies from Pakistan to Uzbekistan, as well as developing industrial cooperation in this field.

It was noted that “Omni Group of Companies” is one of Pakistan’s largest sugar exporters. The company’s activities cover not only the food industry but also energy, the production of polymer products and agricultural machinery. Together with foreign partners, they have established the assembly of tractors.

In the energy sector, the company operates four power plants with a total capacity of 80 megawatts. Additionally, it runs a polyethylene production facility with a capacity of up to 50 million units per year. The company also provides services in civil aviation. “Omni Group” enterprises annually produce 350,000 tons of sugar and ethanol, with finished products exported to countries in the Middle East, the Far East, and Africa.

 Recently, we launched a new sugar refinery in Pakistan, - noted the company’s head, Salman Yunus. - The facility is capable of producing up to 10 tons of sugar every eight hours. Along with establishing sugar production in the Tashkent region, we could also set up a joint venture for tractor assembly in cooperation with regional enterprises that manufacture such machinery. Furthermore, given the high demand for sugar in Uzbekistan, we plan to open a sugar plant in the Tashkent region.

During the negotiations, the parties also discussed in detail the construction of a new sugar refinery in the Tashkent region involving Pakistani investment, or the possibility of transferring one of the existing enterprises to the company’s management.

Within the framework of the visit, members of the Uzbek delegation also met with Bilal Kidwai, the Chief Commercial Officer of one of Pakistan’s major industrial companies, “Service Industries Limited”.

The parties discussed opportunities for expanding investment cooperation in the production of footwear and tires, as well as implementing joint projects in the manufacturing and processing industries.

Founded in 1970, the company today holds a strong position in the international market. Its annual export potential is approximately 60 million US dollars, with an annual revenue exceeding 450 million dollars. The company produces tires for motorcycles, tractors and trucks. Finished products are exported to countries such as the USA and Brazil.

During the meeting, opinions were exchanged on the prospects of organizing tire and footwear production in Uzbekistan. The Pakistani side expressed significant interest in implementing this project.

In turn, representatives of the Tashkent region announced their readiness to create the necessary conditions for the implementation of these investment projects within the region.

Following the meetings, the parties agreed to conduct internal market research to study the opportunities of the Uzbek market, organize a visit for company delegations to the Tashkent region, familiarize them with the activities of the region’s special industrial zones and assess the export potential.