Nooruddin Azizi, acting minister of industry and commerce, met with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, president of Uzbekistan, on the sidelines of the Fourth International Investment Conference in Tashkent.
During this meeting, the two sides discussed expanding cooperation in the fields of trade and economy, transportation, energy, agriculture, and mining.
Akhundzada Abdulsalam Jawad, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, stated: “The two parties discussed enhancing cooperation in trade and economy, transportation, logistics, energy, agriculture, and mining.”
In parallel with this meeting, Nooruddin Azizi also signed a Preferential Trade Agreement and a Joint Action Plan between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan with his Uzbek counterpart, Laziz Kudratov.
This agreement aims to reduce tariffs, remove trade barriers, facilitate market access between the two countries, support the private sector, increase bilateral trade volume, encourage joint investments, and promote sustainable regional trade development.
Abdul Nasir Reshtia, an economic analyst, commented: “The signed preferential tariff agreements will undoubtedly pave the way for increased trade between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, foster joint ventures and mutual market access, and ultimately benefit both countries.”
Currently, the trade volume between Kabul and Tashkent exceeds one billion USD. The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment has stated that with full implementation of the agreements, this figure is expected to grow significantly.
Jan Agha Nawid, spokesperson for the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said: “Introducing preferential tariffs for both countries and implementing previously agreed-upon projects—along with related discussions—represents a positive step that could have a meaningful impact on the lives of citizens and economic exchanges between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.”
The Afghan Ministry of Industry and Commerce also reported that Azizi held talks with Uzbekistan’s minister of investment, industry, and trade on facilitating trade, encouraging joint investment, boosting exports, and ensuring efficient transit of goods. Both sides reiterated their firm commitment to strengthening economic relations and establishing practical frameworks for long-term cooperation.