TASHKENT, Uzbekistan — Pakistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to chart out a joint roadmap aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation across artificial intelligence, financial technology (fintech), and the broader digital economy.

The agreement was reached during a high-level courtesy call where Bilal Bin Saqib, Minister of State and Chairman of Pakistan's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), met with Vladimir Norov, Chairman of the Central Asian Artificial Intelligence Association (AICA).

Accelerating Bilateral Digital Transformation

The discussions focused on leveraging emerging technologies to boost economic synergy between South and Central Asia. Both officials emphasized the need for structured frameworks to facilitate cross-border innovation in AI and digital finance.

By aligning regulatory insight and technological capacity, the partnership aims to create scalable opportunities for tech startups, financial institutions, and digital innovators in both nations.

Key Initiatives Outlined in the Meeting

• Strategic Roadmap: Agreement to draft a comprehensive action plan to guide future tech initiatives.

• AI Collaboration: Joint efforts to advance artificial intelligence research, application, and regional integration.

• Fintech & Virtual Assets: Exploring shared frameworks for digital finance and virtual asset management.

• Digital Integration: Strengthening tech-driven economic ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

Strengthening Regional Tech Leadership

This strategic engagement marks a significant step forward in Pakistan's digital diplomacy efforts across Central Asia.

Through ongoing collaboration between VARA and AICA, both countries plan to establish robust digital infrastructure that supports secure, innovative, and sustainable technological growth across the region.