Uzbekistan and Afghanistan ink $1.2 billion export-import deals
Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Jamshid Khodjayev, recently led a government delegation on a visit to Kabul, Afghanistan. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen bilateral relations and explore potential economic opportunities between the two countries.
During the visit, Khodjayev met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Afghanistan, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, in both a narrow and expanded format. The meetings were attended by ministers from various sectors, including investment, industry and trade, agriculture, water management, mining and geology, energy, and transport.
One of the main topics of discussion was the importance of transport and transit issues in driving economic development. Khodjayev praised Uzbekistan’s participation in projects that aim to create a transport corridor connecting Central Asia and South Asia through Afghanistan.
Both sides acknowledged the untapped potential in their economic spheres and expressed their commitment to increasing mutual trade. A new visa mechanism for Afghan investors, business representatives, and truck drivers was also appreciated as a step towards facilitating trade.
To further enhance economic cooperation, the Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan presented a “roadmap” that aims to boost the volume of mutual trade to $3 billion in the near future.
As a gesture of goodwill, Abdul Ghani Baradar welcomed the opening of an exhibition featuring “Made in Uzbekistan” products. The Uzbek side also expressed its willingness to hold an exhibition showcasing Afghan products in Uzbekistan.
Additionally, a business forum was organized at the Kabul International Exhibition Center, bringing together more than 300 representatives from local business circles. The forum facilitated B2B (business-to-business) and G2B (government-to-business) negotiations between Uzbek and Afghan business representatives.
The visit yielded positive results, with export-import agreements worth approximately $1.2 billion being reached during the meetings.
Overall, the visit of Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev and the government delegation served to strengthen ties between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, highlight the potential for economic cooperation, and pave the way for increased trade between the two countries.
