During a working trip to Afghanistan, the Governor of the Fergana Region, Khayrullo Bozorov, held a meeting with the Minister of Industry and Trade of Afghanistan, Nuruddin Azizi. The prospects for deepening economic cooperation and opening the Trade House of the Fergana Region in Kabul were discussed.
Participants noted that in recent years, relations between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan have been strengthening, as well as the development of mutual trust, trade, and economic ties between the two countries.
According to representatives, establishing the Trade House of the Fergana Region in Kabul would open up additional opportunities for entrepreneurs, contribute to increasing bilateral trade, and allow for the establishment of new business contacts.
The parties also focused on expanding interaction between the Fergana Region and Afghanistan in areas such as agriculture, export of fruits and vegetables, logistics, electrical engineering industry, and other sectors.
Furthermore, a plan was discussed to increase supplies to the Afghan market of food products, flour and grain, textiles and ready-made clothing, construction materials, and pharmaceutical products.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov, met on July 7 with the founding documents of Johanna Maria Agren, the recently appointed Chargé d'Affaires of Finland in Uzbekistan.
The parties noted that relations between Uzbekistan and Finland have become significantly more active in recent years. The importance of further increasing trade, economic, and investment interaction was emphasized.
Furthermore, the meeting participants focused on the need to establish direct contacts between the business communities of both countries. Bakhtiyor Saidov wished Agren success in her diplomatic activities and assured her of Uzbekistan's full support for her efforts to strengthen Uzbek-Finnish relations.
Uzbekistan and Afghanistan held a meeting to discuss deepening economic cooperation. The parties confirmed the goal of increasing mutual trade volume to the mark of $5 billion and developing more favorable conditions for doing business.
The negotiations included Jamshid Khojaev, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, and Nur Ahmad Islamjar, Governor of the Afghan province of Herat. Representatives from the chambers of commerce of both countries, heads of relevant ministries, and businessmen were present.
The central topic of discussion was achieving the target turnover of $5 billion. Furthermore, the parties agreed to introduce special, preferential tariffs on fourteen items of Afghan products intended for export, and also provided for discounts on the transportation of goods by rail between the two states.
Mohammad Yunus Kazizad, Chairman of the Herat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted his region's interest in implementing joint investment projects and its readiness to assist in developing partnerships between Uzbek and Afghan enterprises. As a result of the meeting, it was decided to maintain continuous dialogue regarding logistics, trade, and investment issues.
Previously, Uzbekistan initiated the introduction of a new format of container railway transport directed to Afghanistan. This measure is expected to help reduce transportation costs and simplify the process of delivering goods for business circles.
A meeting took place in Kabul between the Prime Minister of Afghanistan, Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, and the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Jamshid Khodjayev, who headed the Uzbek delegation. The governor of the Fergana region, Khayrullo Bozorov, also participated in the negotiations.
The parties discussed the further development of trade and economic interaction, as well as the implementation of previously reached agreements in the field of trade and investment. Jamshid Khodjayev emphasized that the goal of the large Uzbek delegation, which included representatives of state bodies, legislators, entrepreneurs, and investors, is to strengthen political and economic ties between the two countries.
According to him, Afghanistan holds a significant place in Uzbekistan's foreign policy. The delegation's visit was organized at the instruction of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev with the aim of beginning the practical implementation of agreements in the sectors of trade and investment and assessing the results of their execution.
Khodjayev reported that last year the volume of Afghanistan's exports to Uzbekistan reached 150 million US dollars. Since the beginning of the current year, this amount has been 111 million US dollars, and further growth is expected by the end of the year. Furthermore, the deputy prime minister noted that Uzbekistan issued 5000 visas to Afghan citizens, which he links to the development of friendly and economic relations.
Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund welcomed the Uzbek delegation, calling its visit an important step for further strengthening bilateral relations. He stated that the arrival of such a representative delegation and the development of economic cooperation demonstrate Uzbekistan's confidence in Afghanistan's future. The Prime Minister of Afghanistan also expressed interest in deepening ties with Uzbekistan and confirmed his readiness to fulfill the reached agreements.
