Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock (MAIL) have reiterated their commitment to expanding investment opportunities in Afghanistan’s agricultural sector, aiming to attract both domestic and international investors.

According to Sher Mohammad Khatami, spokesperson for the ministry, technical cooperation and land access are key priorities for supporting investors. “Around 72,000 jeribs of land have been allocated for agricultural and livestock projects across the country,” Khatami said.

The ministry highlights Afghanistan’s vast potential in agriculture, livestock, horticulture, irrigation, product packaging, storage, transport, and cold chain facilities. Private sector representatives note that with the proper technical support and land allocation, local investors would be more willing to participate in the sector.

However, some private investors have voiced concerns over the ministry’s performance, saying that despite Afghanistan’s high agricultural capacity, sufficient steps have not been taken to standardize products or achieve self-sufficiency.

Economic experts stress that well-targeted development of agriculture and livestock could unlock multi-billion-dollar investment opportunities.

They urge MAIL to introduce incentive packages that would make the sector more attractive for investors.

Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have signed cooperation agreements worth $514.8 million, marking a significant push to expand trade and investment between the two neighbours.

The agreements were finalised during a connectivity conference and a series of business meetings that brought together senior officials, private sector representatives, and investors from both countries.

Among those in attendance were Afghanistan’s Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi and Shavkat Abdurazaqov, chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, alongside an Uzbek delegation comprising government and business leaders.

Addressing the gathering, Azizi described Afghanistan as a dependable partner for regional trade and investment, praising Uzbekistan’s ongoing cooperation.

He pointed to the country’s broad investment potential and highlighted a preferential tariff agreement between the two sides, which is expected to ease the export of Afghan goods into Uzbek markets.

Officials from Uzbekistan also underscored the importance of stability in Afghanistan.

The governor of Namangan Region noted that peace in Afghanistan is vital for Uzbekistan, adding that stronger economic collaboration could further reinforce regional connectivity and cooperation.

The newly signed agreements cover a range of sectors, including the establishment of a poultry hatchery in Afghanistan, trade in cement and coal, exports of dried fruits and vegetables, imports of food and fuel, production of layer chickens, and sports-related services.

Authorities say the deals represent a key step toward boosting bilateral trade, strengthening economic partnerships, and advancing broader regional integration.

The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment has announced that a major exhibition of Afghan products titled “Made in Afghanistan” is opening today (Wednesday) in Uzbekistan’s capital Tashkent.

According to the chamber, the expo—supported financially by the United Nations Development Programme—will run until Friday and aims to showcase Afghanistan’s production and export potential.

More than 60 booths have been set up by Afghan traders, featuring a wide range of products including carpets, dried and fresh fruits, saffron, pine nuts, cotton, precious and semi-precious stones, as well as beverages.

Officials from the chamber expressed hope that the expo will help expand trade relations between Afghanistan and countries in the region, particularly Uzbekistan.