Afghanistan and Uzbekistan hold high-level bilateral meeting to boost trade and economic cooperation

A high-level bilateral meeting between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan was held to strengthen trade and economic relations, particularly with the Namangan region of Uzbekistan. The meeting brought together Nooruddin Azizi, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, and Shukhrat Abdullazov, Governor of Namangan Province, along with their respective delegations.

At the outset of the meeting, Minister Azizi expressed appreciation for Uzbekistan’s four years of cooperation with the Islamic Emirate and the people of Afghanistan, emphasizing the country’s commitment to brotherhood and bilateral collaboration.

Governor Abdullazov welcomed the initiatives of Minister Azizi, describing the Afghan people as friends and brothers, and provided an overview of the industrial and production capacities of Namangan Province.

During the discussions, both sides explored cooperation in key sectors, including:

• Export and production of medicinal herbs and spices in Afghanistan
• Poultry farming capacity and joint ventures in the sector
• Investment and trade in precious and semi-precious stones, including exports
• Export of agricultural machinery and equipment, drip irrigation systems, and collaboration with Afghan farmers

Minister Azizi reaffirmed Afghanistan’s readiness for joint ventures and trade promotion between the two countries, highlighting investment opportunities in cold storage facilities, agricultural and medicinal product factories, and other sectors.

At the conclusion of the meeting, it was decided that a delegation from Afghanistan’s private sector would visit Namangan Province to identify trade opportunities. The Afghan delegation was also invited to attend the annual historic Flower Festival in Namangan, held every May.