A two-day meeting between Afghan and Uzbek traders was held in Mazar-e-Sharif, attended by officials and numerous business representatives from both sides, focusing on strengthening economic relations and cooperation.
In addition to emphasizing bilateral cooperation, several agreements were signed covering the exchange of edible oils, cotton, construction materials, and agricultural products.
Officials, referring to last year, stated that trade between the two friendly countries reached nearly $2 billion. However, they expressed hope that this figure will increase further this year.
The Governor of Namangan region of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Abdurazaqov, said:
“Afghanistan and Uzbekistan are two neighboring countries that have taken new steps toward expanding trade. We hope that relations between the two countries will further develop. Yesterday in Kabul, contracts worth more than $500 million were signed, and today we are also signing agreements here worth millions of dollars.”
The Head of the Balkh Chamber of Commerce and Investment, Ibrahim Ghaznfar, said:
“The current trade level of $1.8 billion is only the beginning. If we move forward together, we can increase this figure to several billion dollars in the near future.”
Meanwhile, Afghan traders described this development as an important step toward economic growth, while also calling for the resolution of certain challenges to further strengthen these ties.
Afghan trader Ajmal Qadri said:
“Very good agreements were made with traders in Balkh. These agreements included liquid oils, cement, food products, beverages, and medicines, signed between Afghan and Uzbek traders.”
Afghan trader Zabihullah Kohmardi said:
“One issue that still remains is travel between the two countries. Just as the governor of Herat abolished visas for drivers between Iran and Afghanistan, a similar solution should be implemented here in Balkh to resolve visa issues between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.”
At the same time, the Deputy Governor of Balkh described Uzbekistan as a friendly country and emphasized the expansion of cooperation, stating that all necessary facilities will be provided to Uzbek investors.
Deputy Governor of Balkh, Noor-ul-Hadi Abu Idris, said:
“The fact that they are traveling to Afghanistan at a high level is itself a sign of friendship. We are trying to further strengthen this cooperation and friendship.”
This comes as earlier this week, trade agreements worth more than $500 million were also signed in Kabul with Uzbekistan.
