Afghanistan, Uzbekistan sign MoU for agricultural exports

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) under which Afghan agricultural products will be exported to global markets through Uzbekistan.

The Balkh governor’s office said in a statement on its X page that the MoU was signed through the efforts of provincial authorities.

According to the statement, Afghanistan’s agricultural products — including pomegranates, figs, vegetables and other seasonal fruits — will be transported via Uzbekistan’s air routes to markets in Central Asia, South Asia, Europe and Uzbekistan itself.

The statement added that traders have also signed practical contracts related to this initiative.

It noted that agreements have been reached with several Afghan traders for exporting meat to Uzbekistan and this process has already begun.

The Balkh governor’s media office said it is working to make this route an effective and viable alternative for Afghan traders.

This development comes two days after Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, urged manufacturers and traders to use alternative trade routes instead of Pakistan, warning that if they fail to do so, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) will not address any problems that may arise.

sa