Afghanistan and Uzbekistan sign $50 million in trade agreements

KABUL (TOLONews): Thirty trade agreements have been signed between the private sectors of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, valued at nearly $50 million.

At a bilateral trade connectivity conference, the deputy minister of industry and commerce of the Islamic Emirate stressed the need to resolve trade challenges and increase Afghan exports to Uzbekistan.

Ahmadullah Zahid, deputy minister of industry and commerce, said: “We appreciate that they have truly supported the Islamic Emirate on all international platforms. Their cooperation—especially in the economic sector—has not been limited to discussions, conferences, and agreements. They have entered the field of action as well, which has led to significant progress in relations with this country.”

Meanwhile, Davron Vakhabov, president of the Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, acknowledged existing trade challenges between Kabul and Tashkent but expressed hope for their resolution.

He also stated that Uzbek traders are interested in investing in various sectors in Afghanistan.

“I believe the outcome of this third meeting will, in the next 10 to 15 days, concretely result in the signing of joint memorandums and trade agreements. We are currently working on key areas such as textiles, construction, and food processing industries,” he said.

At the same time, Afghan private sector officials, highlighting the expansion of trade relations between Kabul and Tashkent, spoke of efforts to establish joint chambers of commerce between Afghanistan, Turkey, and Central Asian countries.

Mohammad Younus Mohmand, first deputy of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said: “Trade cannot be one-sided. The market being developed or already established in Termez is very important to us. We want to use that route to expand trade relations, and we hope Uzbekistan will seize the major opportunities available in Afghanistan.”

Mirzaman Popal, acting financial and administrative head of the Chamber, stated: “Memorandums have been signed, and more than 30 contracts between Afghan and Uzbek companies have been finalized, with a total value estimated between $45 and $50 million.”

Although current trade relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan are limited, Uzbek investors have already invested nearly $1 billion in the Tuti Maidan gas field in Faryab province.

Uzbekistan is also leading the Trans-Afghan railway project through Afghan territory, which, upon completion, is expected to generate significant revenue for Afghanistan.