Afghanistan, Uzbekistan sign $300m worth of trade agreements

Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have signed 25 commercial memorandums of understanding worth more than $300 million, marking a significant boost to bilateral economic cooperation.

The agreements were concluded at a trade connectivity conference attended by Afghanistan’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nooruddin Azizi, and the Governor of Uzbekistan’s Syrdarya region, Erkinjon Turdimov, along with senior officials and business leaders from both countries.

Azizi said there is strong political and economic momentum behind expanding bilateral ties, noting that trade between the two sides has grown at an unprecedented pace in recent years. He added that both countries aim to increase trade volumes in 2025 compared to 2024, pointing to significant untapped potential.

He also highlighted preferential trade arrangements covering eight Afghan export items and six Uzbek products.

Turdimov underscored the long-standing historical and economic links between the two nations and noted the active role of Afghan traders in the Syrdarya region.

He called for deeper cooperation in industry and manufacturing, encouraged joint development projects, and outlined Uzbekistan’s investment opportunities, including access to European export markets.

The newly signed agreements span key sectors such as construction, food products, agriculture, furniture, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, reflecting growing private-sector confidence and signaling a new phase in Afghanistan–Uzbekistan economic partnership.