Uzbekistan Aims to Triple Trade Turnover with Afghanistan to 3 Billion USD
Uzbekistan and Afghanistan Aim to Increase Trade Turnover to $1 Billion USD
During recent negotiations between the prime ministers of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, it was highlighted that there is a strong potential to boost trade between the two countries. The goal is to increase the trade turnover to $1 billion USD this year, with ambitions to reach $3 billion USD in the near future.
On August 17, a government delegation led by Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov visited Afghanistan. Meetings were held with key officials in Kabul, including Acting Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Barodar, Deputy Prime Minister Abdus-Salam Hanafi, Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Kabir, and Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
The discussions emphasized the friendly and cooperative relations between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, with Uzbekistan seeing Afghanistan as an integral part of Central Asia. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted the importance of engaging in international dialogue with the current Afghan government, leading to a special resolution by the United Nations General Assembly in 2022 recognizing Afghanistan’s significance in Central and South Asia relations.
Uzbekistan has initiated a constructive dialogue with the interim government of Afghanistan, focusing on enhancing trade relations, advancing energy cooperation, joint development projects for natural resources, and improving various sectors such as transportation, agriculture, and education.
The potential for increasing trade turnover to $1 billion USD this year and $3 billion USD in the future was highlighted during the discussions. Agreements on protecting bilateral investments and promoting preferential trade are expected to further strengthen trade-economic cooperation between the two countries.
At the conclusion of the meetings, several documents were signed to facilitate future cooperation, although specifics about these documents have not been disclosed. The efforts to deepen economic ties between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan demonstrate a commitment to fostering mutual development and prosperity in the region.
