Afghanistan and Uzbekistan sign trade deals worth more than $151 million

Private sector representatives from Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have signed dozens of trade agreements worth a combined $151.16 million during a business meeting in Kabul, as both countries seek to expand economic cooperation and strengthen bilateral trade ties.

The agreements were signed by representatives of around 80 companies from both countries across various economic and commercial sectors.

Speaking at the meeting, Mojib Rahman Shirzad, Deputy Head of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, described expanding trade and economic relations between Kabul and Tashkent as important for both countries.

He said increased exchanges of government and private-sector delegations in recent months had created opportunities for direct engagement between business communities, helping pave the way for stronger commercial cooperation.

Meanwhile, Yarqin Malikov, Chairman of the Uzbekistan Exporters Association, said trade relations between the two countries had expanded significantly.

According to Malikov, bilateral trade, which previously stood at around $80 million, has now exceeded $1.8 billion.

He attributed the growth to stronger relations between the two countries and increasing mutual trust among Afghan and Uzbek business communities.

Malikov also said Uzbek investors and business representatives were exploring Afghanistan’s commercial potential and considering opportunities to establish joint ventures in the country.

He noted that trade figures during 2024 and 2025, particularly the first seven months of 2026, demonstrated significant growth in economic relations between the neighbouring countries.

The signing of the agreements comes as an Afghan delegation, led by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, travelled to Uzbekistan on Saturday.

The delegation is expected to meet Uzbek officials to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in several sectors, particularly agriculture.

The latest business agreements are expected to create further opportunities for private-sector cooperation, investment and increased trade between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.