KABUL (Pajhwok): A total of 38 trade agreements worth more than $520 million have been signed between Afghan and Uzbek traders during a private sector business conference held in Kabul.
According to a statement from the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), the conference was organised to strengthen trade relations, facilitate the exchange of views and attract investment. It was held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul on Sunday.
The agreements cover sectors including poultry, petroleum products, manufacturing, trade and investment.
ACCI head Syed Karim Hashemi said economic cooperation between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan had expanded significantly over the past six months, with joint exhibitions, business conferences, exchange of delegations and the signing of agreements among key developments.
He added that, as a result of these engagements, multiple agreements had been reached in sectors such as agriculture, food products, mining, transit, logistics, construction, petroleum products and energy, with a total value exceeding 1.4 billion dollars.
The statement noted that Minister of Commerce and Industry Nooruddin Azizi welcomed private sector cooperation, describing Afghanistan as a suitable market for Uzbek products.
He highlighted the readiness of traders from both countries for joint investment, particularly in the poultry sector.
He said such investments were important for job creation and economic growth, and stressed the need to facilitate visa issuance and transit procedures for traders.
Meanwhile, Andijan province Governor Shukhrat Abdurakhmanov said the purpose of the visiting Uzbek delegation was to expand trade ties, particularly with Andijan.
He added that Uzbek traders were ready for joint investment with Afghan counterparts in sectors such as cement production, electrical cables, pharmaceuticals and footwear.
hz/sa
