Uzbekistan and Pakistan plan to expand the list of goods covered by their preferential trade regime starting from August 14, 2026. The relevant protocol was approved by a presidential decree signed on July 10, 2026.
Uzbekistan and Pakistan plan to expand the list of goods covered by their preferential trade regime starting from August 14, 2026. The relevant protocol was approved by a presidential decree signed on July 10, 2026.
According to this document, the preferential trade regime will cover approximately 90 product categories. This agreement provides for the reduction of customs duties and simplification of trade procedures for goods produced in both countries.
For Uzbek exporters, the benefits will cover various groups of goods, including fruits and vegetables, food products, drinking water, textiles, yarn, knitted fabrics, copper products, electrical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and sanitary ware.
The expanded agreement will create additional opportunities for Uzbek enterprises to enter the Pakistani market, promote an increase in bilateral trade, and strengthen investment cooperation and industrial interaction.
The Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, together with relevant state agencies, has been instructed to support domestic exporters in effectively utilizing the new trade preferences.
Uzbekistan organized a business mission for construction material producers to Turkmenistan with the aim of increasing exports and strengthening direct business ties between entrepreneurs of both countries.
The mission is being conducted under the leadership of the Uzkorilishmateriallari Association. In 2024, the volume of construction material exports from Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan amounted to 18 million US dollars, and in 2025, this figure increased to 24.2 million US dollars.
As part of the visit, Uzbek entrepreneurs are visiting construction and infrastructure sites in Ashgabat, studying the local market, and holding meetings with representatives of the industry business. Participation in the Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan business forum is also planned.
Representatives of Uzbek companies have already visited major construction markets and commercial complexes in Ashgabat and held a meeting with the management of the AK Gaya construction complex. The discussion focused on the possibilities of supplying Uzbek construction materials to Turkmenistan, expanding the product range, and establishing long-term trade relations.
The Uzbek delegation presented its production and export capabilities to its Turkmen partners, as well as provided information on product quality, prices, and delivery options for the Turkmen market. The main objectives of the business mission are to increase the export of construction materials, find new areas of cooperation, and expand trade ties between entrepreneurs of the two nations.
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.
