Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to strengthen regional trade and transit cooperation following a high-level trilateral meeting held in Tashkent on the sidelines of the INNOPROM Central Asia expo.

Afghanistan’s Minister of Industry and Commerce Nuruddin Azizi met with Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, and Sanzhar Iskenderovich Asylkulov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce of Kyrgyzstan, to discuss measures aimed at facilitating transit procedures, increasing trade volumes and expanding Afghan exports to Central Asian markets.

Officials said the talks focused on easing the movement of goods, particularly Afghan export products destined for Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the three sides agreed to establish a joint working group to oversee implementation of the proposed initiatives. They also reached agreement on Afghanistan’s membership in the exhibition platform.

The event brings together participants from across Central Asia, as well as Russia and Belarus, providing a platform for industrial cooperation and investment.

Officials say Afghanistan’s participation is expected to open new opportunities for local industries to showcase products and strengthen their presence in regional markets, while the agreement marks a step toward deeper economic integration and improved regional connectivity.

Afghanistan is making a notable showing at the INNOPROM Central Asia, one of the region’s largest industrial platforms, as Minister of Industry and Commerce Nuruddin Azizi travels to Uzbekistan to attend the event.

The exhibition brings together government officials, investors and manufacturers from across Central Asia and beyond, including participants from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

It is aimed at promoting industrial development, showcasing advanced technologies and expanding regional investment cooperation.

According to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce, more than 60 Afghan companies are taking part, representing sectors such as cotton, coal, pharmaceuticals and agricultural products.

Officials say the participation highlights efforts to strengthen trade ties and position Afghanistan as a growing economic partner in the region.

INNOPROM Central Asia is widely regarded as a key platform for fostering industrial collaboration and unlocking new investment opportunities across Central Asia.

Afghanistan’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nooruddin Azizi, underscored the importance of trust in trade and regional stability during a high-level panel discussion titled “Trust in Trade: The Future of Economic Integration and Stability in South Asia” at the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye.

In his remarks, Azizi emphasized the critical need for peace, stability, and stronger human connections between nations. He noted that the Afghan people have faced nearly five decades of hardship, and continue to endure challenges, including the ongoing issue of frozen assets, which limit the country’s economic potential.

“The message from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is centered around peace and peaceful coexistence,” Azizi stated, highlighting the alignment of these values with both religious teachings and the aspirations of the Afghan people.

When asked about the impact of recent regional developments on fuel and liquefied gas prices, Azizi reassured attendees that Afghanistan had already taken proactive steps to mitigate potential disruptions. He shared that while global fuel prices had surged, Afghanistan’s fuel price increase remained modest—only 3 to 5 percent.

“This demonstrates effective planning and market management in securing the country’s fuel and gas supplies,” he added.

Azizi also expressed his gratitude for the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, praising Türkiye for its efforts in tackling global and regional challenges, including its stance on the situation in Gaza.

The Antalya Diplomacy Forum, which continues to serve as an essential platform for fostering regional dialogue, remains focused on economic cooperation, political stability, and addressing pressing global issues.