Uzbekistan’s Fergana region is moving to deepen economic cooperation with Afghanistan after officials and business leaders agreed to fast-track joint investment projects and expand bilateral trade.

According to a statement from the Fergana Regional Administration, Governor Khayrullo Bozorov met with leading Afghan business figures, including Emerald Diamond Trading Director Abdul Hamid Anyuri, Kam Air Director Atilla Azimi, Tojmahal Petroleum Director Abdul Latif Nawruzi, and their regional partners to discuss practical measures for strengthening economic ties.

The meeting followed a Fergana delegation’s visit to Afghanistan on July 26-27, during which officials and business representatives held talks in Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif. The delegation also inaugurated Fergana Trade Houses in both cities to promote trade and commercial cooperation.

“The parties agreed to accelerate the implementation of joint investment projects, increase bilateral trade and elevate cooperation to a new level,” the regional administration said.

Discussions focused on turning agreements reached during the Afghanistan visit into practical projects, identifying new investment opportunities, and expanding trade between the two sides. Afghan business representatives expressed interest in working with Fergana companies in key sectors including trade, agriculture, aviation, energy and logistics, while presenting several new investment initiatives.

Bozorov reaffirmed Fergana’s commitment to strengthening economic relations with Afghanistan, saying the regional administration stands ready to support joint projects and create favourable conditions for closer business cooperation.

The regional administration said the meeting reflects growing momentum in economic engagement between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, with both sides seeking to expand cross-border trade, attract investment and develop new commercial partnerships as part of broader efforts to strengthen regional economic connectivity.

Afghanistan has invited Iranian investors to explore business opportunities and participate in joint economic projects as the country seeks to strengthen investment and trade ties with its western neighbor.

Kamaluddin Tawhidi, head of the Afghanistan-Iran Joint Chamber of Commerce, made the appeal during a visit to Iran, where he attended the “Economic Cooperation Opportunities with Afghanistan” conference in Alborz Province, according to Iran’s state broadcaster.

Speaking at the event, Tawhidi highlighted Afghanistan’s investment potential and encouraged Iranian businesses to take advantage of opportunities across a range of economic sectors.

Discussions focused on expanding private-sector cooperation, increasing joint investment, and boosting bilateral trade between the two countries.

Tawhidi said stronger economic partnerships could create new business opportunities and support broader regional economic growth.

The meeting comes as Afghanistan continues efforts to attract foreign investment and deepen economic cooperation with neighboring countries.

Afghanistan has exported its first shipment of natural stone to the United States, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to expand mineral exports and strengthen its foothold in international markets.

The shipment, valued at $100,000, was sent by a private Afghan company and consists of black stone extracted from the Zindajan mine in the western province of Herat.

The export was coordinated through the Herat Chamber of Industries before being shipped to the U.S.

Industry officials said the export underscores the growing potential of Afghanistan’s mining sector, which is home to vast untapped reserves of minerals and natural stone. They expressed hope that increased access to international markets would encourage investment, boost production, and create new employment opportunities.

Herat, one of Afghanistan’s principal commercial and industrial centres, has long played a key role in the country’s trade due to its strategic location and abundance of natural resources. Officials believe expanding exports of locally sourced minerals could help diversify Afghanistan’s economy and strengthen the private sector.

The shipment forms part of broader efforts to increase Afghanistan’s exports and promote the country’s mining and industrial products in global markets.

Authorities have repeatedly identified the mining sector as a key driver of long-term economic growth, with natural stone among the products expected to attract greater international demand.