Thirty trade agreements have been signed between the private sectors of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan for a total amount of nearly $50 million, TOLOnews reports.
At a bilateral trade connectivity conference, Afghanistan’s deputy minister of industry and commerce, Ahmadullah Zahid stressed the need to resolve trade challenges and increase Afghan exports to Uzbekistan.
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.
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.
