Entrepreneurs from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan Discuss Joint Promotion of Goods in the Markets of Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan

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.

Participants and Agenda

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.

Measures to Develop Trade

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.

Investments and Further Cooperation

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.

Goals of the Visit and Cooperation

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.

Trade Turnover and Visa Regime

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.

Position of the Afghan Side

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.