Kabul, Tashkent discuss expansion of trade, transit ties

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have discussed expansion of trade and transit relationships and Tashkent showed readiness for the creation of a joint commercial zone in the border area, a statement said on Saturday.

A high-ranking delegation of the caretaker government led by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar travelled to Uzbekistan today (Saturday).

During the visit, the Afghan deletion met Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjaev, deputy prime minister for economic affairs office’s said in a statement.

It said both sides discussed strengthening trade and transit relations, as well as investment opportunities for Uzbek investors in Afghanistan.

The Uzbek side expressed readiness to establish a joint trade zone at the border with Kabul in order to enhance trade relations.

This zone will include processing factories for pine nuts and cotton, packaging and logistics centres and production facilities for various food items.

Uzbek PM assured that Uzbek investors are ready to cooperate with the caretaker Afghan government in the exploration and extraction of oil and gas in Afghanistan and to invest in the industrial sector, including the establishment of a cement factory in Samangan province.

He also noted that significant progress has been made in the exploration of the Toti Maidan gas field, and extraction operations are expected to commence soon.

For his part, Mullah Baradar welcomed the Uzbek side's proposals and assured full cooperation from the Islamic Emirate in these areas.

Kk/nh