Business
Afghanistan strengthens regional trade ties at ECO summit
On the sidelines, Azizi met with Turkey’s Minister of Trade, Ömer Bolat, to discuss expanding bilateral trade, attracting Turkish investments.
Afghanistan’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Nooruddin Azizi, has actively participated in the Fifth Trade Ministers’ Meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) held in Istanbul, emphasizing the country’s readiness to engage in regional trade and transit projects.
During the summit, member states approved key documents, including the ECOTA Trade Agreement Adjustment Strategy, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) framework, and the ECO 10-Year Development Vision for 2026–2035. These agreements are set to enhance economic cooperation, expand free trade, and reduce customs barriers among member nations.
On the sidelines, Azizi met with Turkey’s Minister of Trade, Ömer Bolat, to discuss expanding bilateral trade, attracting Turkish investments, and facilitating exports of Afghanistan’s major commodities, including cotton, talc, and coal. Both sides agreed to establish a Joint Trade and Investment Working Group to further strengthen economic collaboration.
Afghanistan’s active role in ECO meetings provides a significant opportunity to boost exports, attract foreign investment, and leverage the country’s strategic transit capacities for regional growth.