Afghanistan and Uzbekistan discuss trade expansion and transit cooperation

Afghanistan and Uzbekistan discuss trade expansion and transit cooperation
Officials discussed how to overcome transit and customs problems. A vehicle drives near the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan border in Ayritom, Uzbekistan, 15 August, 2021.
Reuters

Afghan and Uzbek business officials have discussed ways to expand trade, ease transit bottlenecks and address customs challenges facing traders, according to the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI).

Push to expand bilateral trade

Sayed Karim Hashemi, chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, held talks with Davron Vakhobov, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, as both sides seek to strengthen economic ties.

ACCI said the two chambers discussed trade, economic cooperation and challenges faced by businesses.

“ACCI Chairman met with the Chairman of the Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss the expansion of trade and economic cooperation, improvements in transit and customs facilitation, and solutions to challenges facing traders.”

Focus on transit and logistics

Hashemi also met Uzbekistan’s Minister of Transport and senior railway officials, according to ACCI. In statement the Afghan Chamber said transport and logistics were a key part of the discussions.

“ACCI Chairman met with Uzbekistan’s Minister of Transport and Railway leadership to discuss transit facilitation, transport cooperation, logistics infrastructure, and measures to address challenges facing Afghan traders and exporters.”

The chamber said Hashemi also met Uzbekistan's deputy minister for trade and investment. ACCI did not name the official in its statement.

“ACCI Chairman met with Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Trade and Investment to discuss expanding trade, attracting investment, increasing Afghan exports, and enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries.”

Trade volume reaches $1.7 billion

Uzbekistan's Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev said trade between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan increased from $653 million in 2021 to $1.7 billion in 2025. He said both sides aim to raise the figure to $5 billion.

The two countries have repeatedly expressed their commitment to increasing trade, improving border services and making it easier for Afghan exporters to use Uzbekistan as a gateway to regional and international markets.

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