KABUL (Pajhwok): Pakistan, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have held the first trilateral meeting in Islamabad on strengthening economic ties, regional cooperation and connectivity.
A delegation from Kabul, led by Acting Minister of Commerce and Industry Nooruddin Azizi, attended the three-way talks, the Afghan embassy in Islamabad said.
The tripartite meeting was co-chaired by the commerce ministers of Pakistan and Afghanistan, and the deputy prime minister of Uzbekistan.
The three countries have been working on plans for trade transit and railway links between South and Central Asia that would cross through Afghanistan.
At the end of the meeting, an agreement was signed among the three countries to increase transit and trade cooperation, the embassy said in a statement.
The officials also discussed regional connectivity, enhancing transport networks and promoting infrastructure development to facilitate the movement of goods.
“By promoting economic interdependence and cooperation, we can build a foundation for sustainable development and prosperity in the region,” Pakistani Commerce Minister Dr. Gohar Ejaz said.
“By leveraging their strengths and resources, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan can tap into new markets and expand their economies,” the minister believed.
An official statement issued after the meeting said the commerce ministers explored investment prospects in various sectors which would open up avenues for joint ventures, public-private partnerships and increased foreign direct investment.
The discussions focused on reducing trade barriers, simplifying customs procedures, and promoting smoother cross-border trade. It also discussed ways to enhance transportation networks and promote infrastructure development to facilitate the movement of goods.
Separately, Khodjaev met Pakistan Prime Minister Anwaar Ul Haq Kakar and hoped both sides would continue active engagement for the timely completion of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project.
sa/mud
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