Tashkent, August 20, 2026: Uzbekistan and Pakistan are exploring a new area of bilateral cooperation focused on the digital economy, blockchain technologies and virtual assets, with the two sides discussing opportunities for regulatory cooperation and joint initiatives in emerging technologies.
The development was highlighted following a meeting between an Uzbek official and Bilal bin Saqib, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies and head of the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.
The Pakistani side expressed keen interest in Uzbekistan’s experience in regulating the cryptocurrency mining sector, particularly the Besqala Mining Valley, a dedicated mining zone established in the Republic of Karakalpakstan.
The special zone provides facilities and specific conditions for cryptocurrency mining activities using renewable energy and other energy sources permitted under Uzbek law.
Bilal bin Saqib is scheduled to participate in the first Silk Road Finance and Technology Forum, which will be held in Tashkent from August 24 to 26. During his visit, the two sides are expected to examine Uzbekistan’s experience in greater detail, discuss potential joint projects and explore mechanisms for direct cooperation between financial and regulatory institutions of the two countries.
The two sides also agreed to pursue sustained cooperation in blockchain technologies, virtual assets, digital finance and artificial intelligence.
The engagement reflects growing efforts by Uzbekistan and Pakistan to broaden their economic partnership beyond traditional trade and investment and into emerging technologies that are increasingly shaping the global economy.
The two countries have been seeking to expand bilateral economic cooperation, and collaboration in digital finance, blockchain and virtual assets could open new avenues for technology partnerships, investment and knowledge exchange between their institutions and private sectors.
