Participants of the negotiations at the Termez International Trade Center. Photo: Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan and Afghanistan have developed concrete measures to increase their annual trade turnover to $3 billion, government representatives from both countries announced during a meeting on March 1 at the Termez International Trade Center, according to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade.
Uzbek Minister Laziz Kudratov and his Afghan counterpart Nuruddin Azizi discussed a wide range of issues aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and economic ties. Expanding trade is a key priority: with trade volume reaching $1.1 billion last year, both sides intend to nearly triple this figure.
In addition, officials explored opportunities for further cooperation in agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and mining.
As part of the ministerial talks, a B2B forum was held, bringing together over 50 entrepreneurs from each country. Business representatives discussed potential joint projects and established new trade connections.
According to the Afghan outlet ToloNews, the discussions in Termez also covered Uzbek investments in Afghanistan, the establishment of a trade and economic complex in the port of Hairatan, and facilitating business visas for entrepreneurs from both countries.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Industry and Trade highlighted specific collaboration plans, including the construction of vegetable and fruit processing plants worth over $200 million, funded by Uzbek investors. Additionally, joint ventures for the production of food products, pharmaceuticals, cement, and other construction materials are planned in the provinces of Balkh, Samangan, and Kunduz.
Representatives of the Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Investment emphasized logistical cooperation, proposing that Uzbekistan create favorable conditions for freight carriers to reduce transportation costs. This initiative, they argued, would enhance transit routes and allow Afghan businesses to expand trade with China, Russia, and Kazakhstan via Uzbekistan.
