Afghanistan, Kazakhstan eye roadmap to boost cooperation

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghan and Kazakh officials have emphasized the importance of expanding trade relations, increasing bilateral trade and implementing a roadmap for closer cooperation.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), Minister Nooruddin Azizi, during his official visit to Kazakhstan, met with Serik Zhumangarin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan, to discuss a range of issues.

During the meeting, both sides stressed the need to expand trade relations and increase trade volume, highlighting the export of Afghan agricultural products—especially cotton—to Kazakhstan as a key priority.

The statement added: “Both sides emphasized the implementation of the bilateral cooperation roadmap between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan, which aims to increase trade between the two countries to up to three billion dollars in the coming years. The roadmap is seen as vital for strengthening economic cooperation, facilitating transit, and promoting mutual investment.”

Minister Azizi also called for the establishment of a sales center for Afghan products in Almaty and sought Kazakh investment in Afghanistan’s infrastructure projects.

The two sides further discussed finalizing ongoing agreements, implementing existing trade contracts, removing transit barriers, strengthening banking relations, and addressing challenges faced by Afghan traders in Kazakhstan.

The Kazakh side pledged to cooperate in resolving these issues and facilitating trade activities.

hz/sa