Afg-Uzb joint market vital for bilateral trade development: Businessmen

AIBAK (Pajhwok): Officials and investors in the joint market of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan say that this market has been effective in the growth of trade and economy of the people of both countries and called for more facilities.

The joint market has been established in the Sarkhan Darya province of Uzbekistan.

Pajhwok Afghan News Reporter Saifullah Karimi visited the market and said besides trade facilities and the creation of tens of shops market is equipped with hotels, restaurants and entertainment parks in four parts.

According to local officials, so far nearly 50 businessmen have invested in this market and this number will increase in the near future.

Islam Nabeif, the representative joint Afghanistan-Uzbekistan market, said for all Afghans who trade and invest in this market, all facilities are considered and they can freely sell all their domestic products.

Habibullah, an Afghan trader, said: “Two years ago, I bought a shop here and we hoped that this market would start operating one day.”

He believed that this joint market would be effective in the economic development of people on both sides.

Mohammad Yasin, another businessman, said: “We sell the domestic products that we produce in Kandahar province, and we mainly operate in the powder, dishwashing liquid, soap and other washing materials sectors, and creating this market is important for the development of our business.”

He added the creation of this market, along with its conveniences, also has its shortcomings and it was the lack of accommodation facility for Afghan businessmen.

He said: “After it gets dark, we have to either go to Hairatan town or pay $50 dollars a night to spend the night in one of the hotels in this bazaar, which is very expensive.”

An afghan citizen who visited the joint market said the creation of this market, in addition to commercial issues, is considered a good place for recreation for Afghans, they also demanded the creation of more facilities for visitors.

Paktash, a resident of Balkh province, said this is a suitable place because it has hospital, hotel and market but the prices are very high and businessmen should pay attention to this problem so that more people visit this place for purchasing items.

“Visiting this market is a little difficult, passport checking is time-consuming and officials should pay attention to this problem,” he said.

It is pertinent to mention that the joint market had been already indurated by the officials of both sides.

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