{"id":85117,"date":"2026-02-06T16:54:25","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T16:54:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thediplomat.com.pk\/?p=85117"},"modified":"2026-02-26T12:25:58","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T12:25:58","slug":"made-in-uzbekistan-exhibition-highlights-culinary-diplomacy-boosts-tourism-trade-ties-with-pakistan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thediplomat.com.pk\/index.php\/2026\/02\/06\/made-in-uzbekistan-exhibition-highlights-culinary-diplomacy-boosts-tourism-trade-ties-with-pakistan\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Made in Uzbekistan\u2019 exhibition highlights culinary diplomacy, boosts tourism, trade ties with Pakistan"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Sultanov Sherzod Marketing Department, Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

ISLAMABAD: A national exhibition showcasing Uzbekistan\u2019s cultural, culinary, and industrial strengths under the \u201cMade in Uzbekistan\u201d brand was held in Islamabad as part of the state visit of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Pakistan on February 5\u20136, 2026.<\/p>\n

Organized at the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the exhibition aimed to deepen bilateral cooperation in tourism, trade, and investment, while highlighting Uzbekistan\u2019s export potential and rich cultural heritage.<\/p>\n

A KEY ATTRACTION OF THE EXHIBITION WAS THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE \u201cDELICIOUS UZBEKISTAN\u201d GASTRO-TOURISM CORNER ON FEBRUARY 5 AT THE \u201cMADE IN UZBEKISTAN\u201d PAVILION.\"\"<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The initiative was spearheaded by the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan in collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies. The dedicated space offered visitors an immersive introduction to Uzbekistan\u2019s diverse national cuisine, regional specialties, and modern gastronomic products.<\/p>\n

Renowned Uzbek chefs conducted live presentations and tastings, alongside a special briefing on \u201cUzbekistan\u2019s Gastronomic Tourism Potential,\u201d underscoring the country\u2019s growing profile as an emerging destination for culinary tourism. Guests sampled authentic Uzbek dishes prepared from national and locally sourced ingredients, noted for their distinctive flavors and traditional techniques.\"\"<\/p>\n

THE EXHIBITION DREW HIGH-LEVEL PARTICIPATION, INCLUDING PRESIDENT SHAVKAT MIRZIYOYEV, PRIME MINISTER SHEHBAZ SHARIF, MEMBERS OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS, POTENTIAL INVESTORS, BUSINESS LEADERS, REPRESENTATIVES OF INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL MEDIA, AND MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The strong turnout reflected growing interest in expanding people-to-people contacts and commercial engagement between the two countries.<\/p>\n

In addition to culinary showcases, the exhibition featured presentations of locally manufactured Uzbek goods that have gained traction in international markets. These products were highlighted as key drivers of Uzbekistan\u2019s export strategy and as tools for strengthening the country\u2019s national brand abroad.\"\"<\/p>\n

Officials also emphasized the role of enhanced air connectivity in promoting tourism exchanges. Direct flights between Uzbekistan and Pakistan are currently operated by Uzbekistan Airways JSC on the Tashkent\u2013Lahore\u2013Tashkent and Tashkent\u2013Islamabad\u2013Tashkent routes, providing convenient travel options for tourists, business travelers, and investors from both sides.<\/p>\n

The event built on earlier tourism promotion efforts, including \u201cRoad Show\u201d events organized in April 2025 in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad by the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Islamabad, tourism companies, hotel industry professionals, business circles, and media representatives. Those initiatives were aimed at raising awareness of Uzbekistan\u2019s tourism offerings among Pakistani stakeholders.<\/p>\n

During the Islamabad exhibition, representatives of Uzbekistan\u2019s Tourism Committee briefed participants and foreign investors on wide-ranging reforms undertaken in the country\u2019s tourism sector, the investor-friendly environment, and a range of prospective tourism and hospitality projects. These presentations were received with keen interest, particularly from business and investment circles.\"\"<\/p>\n

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THE \u201cMADE IN UZBEKISTAN\u201d EXHIBITION WAS WIDELY VIEWED AS A VIVID DEMONSTRATION OF THE SHARED CULTURAL VALUES AND HISTORICAL CONNECTIONS BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND UZBEKISTAN.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Beyond promoting trade and tourism, the event contributed to strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation, reinforcing bilateral ties grounded in shared heritage and a common vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in the wider region.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n