Uzbekistan and Afghanistan have agreed to deepen trade and economic cooperation following high-level business talks that resulted in the signing of a new memorandum of understanding aimed at expanding bilateral commerce.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between representatives of the two countries’ business communities, focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, logistics and interregional partnerships, The Caspian Post reports via UzDaily.

The talks involved Sukhrob Abdurakhmonov, deputy chairman of Uzbekistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Naseer Ahmad Sultonzoda, deputy chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment of Afghanistan’s Balkh province.

Both sides emphasized the long-standing friendly and neighborly ties between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, stressing the importance of expanding practical economic cooperation.

The newly signed memorandum aims to improve market access for entrepreneurs, organize regular joint business forums and exhibitions, and create mechanisms for the rapid removal of trade barriers.

The program also included buiness-to-business (B2B) meetings between Uzbek and Afghan business representatives, designed to encourage new partnerships and cross-border commercial projects.

Uzbekistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry said efforts to expand the participation of domestic businesses in international markets will continue on a systematic basis as the country strengthens regional economic connectivity.