Uzbekistan and Afghanistan Boost Trade Ties

Nooruddin Azizi, the Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, met yesterday with a government delegation and representatives from Uzbekistan’s private sector to discuss potential cooperation and economic development opportunities.

The meeting focused on enhancing coordination, fulfilling commitments made between the two nations, and expanding trade opportunities, The Caspian Post reports citing foreign media.

The Uzbek delegation provided an overview of their prior discussions with Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, highlighting their interest in importing Afghan coal to balance trade between the two countries.

Minister Azizi expressed strong support for Uzbekistan’s private sector initiatives, proposing the organization of up to five exhibitions annually at the Termez International Trade Center.

The meeting also addressed the development of a preferential trade agreement, the establishment of a cement factory in Samangan, and the creation of trade offices in both countries.

The joint Uzbek delegation arrived in Kabul in response to commitments made during the visit of Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister, Abdulla Aripov. Alongside trade discussions, trade contracts worth $4.5 million were signed between private sector representatives of both nations in the presence of Mawlawi Ahmadullah Zahid, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce.