KABUL (Pajhwok): Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Mawlawi Attaullah Omari and the Governor of Uzbekistan’s Andijan province Shukhrat Abdurakhmanov have discussed a range of issues, including Afghan meat exports, transit facilities and the establishment of a quarantine centre at Hairatan port in northern Balkh province.
Omari held a meeting with Abdurakhmanov, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Kabul Gaziz Akbasov and a number of business representatives, the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MoAIL) said in a statement.
The two sides discussed Afghan meat exports, the provision of agricultural equipment by Uzbekistan, the creation of transit facilities, the import of chicks and fertilised eggs, improved seeds and the establishment of a quarantine centre at Hairatan port.
It added that both sides also emphasised the importance of achieving long-term objectives through joint agreements.
Omari said Afghanistan was ready to cooperate with Uzbekistan in the production and processing of agricultural products and their export to regional markets.
He urged Uzbek authorities to provide greater transit facilities for traders.
He added that, as a result of ongoing efforts, meat exports to Uzbekistan and Iran had begun on a regular basis, but expanding these exports would require further investment and the establishment of standard livestock farms.
He called on the private sectors of both countries to work closely together to meet market demand and expand bilateral trade.
For his part, Shukhrat Abdurakhmanov welcomed the launch of Afghan meat exports to Uzbekistan, describing it as an important step towards strengthening trade relations between the two countries.
He also stressed the provision of agricultural equipment and the need to enhance joint cooperation to achieve shared economic goals.
kk/sa
