The highly anticipated ‘Food Fest Uzbekistan 2025’ kicked off at Centaurus Mall in Islamabad, bringing together 50 leading Uzbek companies and showcasing over 2,000 products in a vibrant celebration of Uzbek culture and cuisine.
Organized by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in collaboration with the Plant Protection and Quarantine Agency of Uzbekistan, the three-day event aims to strengthen trade ties between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, offering a unique opportunity for business collaboration and cultural exchange.
Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev highlighted the importance of the event, saying, “The leaders of Pakistan and Uzbekistan recently met and pledged to boost trade turnover from $400 million to $2 billion in the coming years. The food fest marks the first step toward achieving this goal..” Over 20 Uzbek entrepreneurs are participating in the festival, showcasing around 2,000 products, including cheese, yogurt, and beans.
Diplomats from more than 30 countries, including ambassadors from Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, and Sri Lanka, attended the opening ceremony, underscoring the festival’s international significance.
Key Highlights of Food Fest Uzbekistan 2025
- Over 25 leading Uzbek food producers showcasing their products, including dairy, bakery, dry fruits, juices, and more
- More than 60,000 visitors on the first day alone
- 50 top exporting Uzbek companies participating in the expo
- Diplomatic engagement from over 30 countries, including ambassadors from Central Asian nations and beyond
- Ongoing negotiations for long-term business collaborations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan
Journey into Uzbekistan’s rich History and Culture
The festival comes at a time of strengthened bilateral ties, with Uzbekistan and Pakistan sharing historical and cultural bonds. Ambassador Tukhtaev noted, “Pakistan and Uzbekistan are strategic partners, and we must strengthen business links to expand trade between our countries.” He also highlighted the recent launch of direct flights from Uzbekistan to Lahore, with plans for similar services to Islamabad and Karachi in the future to further facilitate trade and tourism.
As the event coincides with the holy month of Ramazan, organizers have extended a special invitation to guests for an authentic Uzbek Iftar, featuring the nation’s signature dish, plov. The festival runs until Monday, offering a celebration of shared heritage, economic opportunities, and the unifying power of food.
Guests were invited to explore Uzbekistan’s rich culinary traditions, featuring iconic dishes like samsa, lagman, and chak-chak. Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev highlighted that Uzbekistan’s food is a reflection of its history, culture, and generations of tradition. “Each dish tells a story—of nomadic roots, ancient cities like Samarkand and Bukhara, and shared family meals,” he said. “Today, we are not just tasting food; we are celebrating Uzbekistan’s legacy, passed down through rich spices, vibrant colors, and intricate techniques.”
Leading Uzbek brands participate in expo
The event also featured over 50 top exporting companies from Uzbekistan, with 25 prominent food manufacturers, including names like Ro’zmetov, Sladus, VIKO, SQ, Paradise, Ermak, and Natural Juice. These companies are showcasing a range of products from dairy to dry fruits and organic foods.
Ambassador Tukhtaev emphasized the role of the event in fostering economic collaboration, noting, “This is a valuable opportunity for establishing strong connections between businesses and governments. Uzbek entrepreneurs are eager to collaborate with their Pakistani counterparts.”
The exhibition, which welcomed more than 60,000 visitors on its opening day, is a testament to the growing economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. High-level discussions are set to take place between the Uzbek delegation and Pakistani officials, including members from Islamabad’s Chambers of Commerce and key retail chains such as Metro and Save Mart. These meetings aim to explore long-term supply agreements and deepen trade relationships between the two countries.
Diplomats from 30 countries join opening ceremony
Diplomats from over 30 countries, including ambassadors and diplomats from Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, and Sri Lanka, attended the opening ceremony, highlighting the event’s international significance.
The Uzbekistan food expo was inaugurated by Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev, alongside CEO of The Centaurus Group Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, High Commissioner of Malaysia Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, Ambassador of Tajikistan Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir, Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Kistafin. They were joined by the Ambassador of Azerbaijan Khazar Farhadov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan Atadjan Movlamov, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic Avazbek Atakhanov, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka Christy Ruban and, Ambassador of Portugal Frederico Silva.
Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan emphasized that such expos create opportunities for foreign businesses and investors to explore joint ventures and partnerships. These expos, he said, provide a platform for local businesses to connect with international buyers and distributors. He added that Centaurus Mall will continue hosting similar events to help countries showcase their products and expand into new markets.
The event provides a platform for negotiations between Uzbek entrepreneurs and Pakistan’s business community, particularly in retail and agriculture. The exhibition is expected to open new avenues for long-term business partnerships.