Private-sector representatives from Afghanistan and Uzbekistan signed dozens of trade agreements worth a combined $151.16 million at a business meeting in Kabul. The deals were signed by about 80 companies from both countries across a range of economic and commercial sectors.
Mojib Rahman Shirzad, deputy head of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said expanding trade between Kabul and Tashkent mattered to both countries. He said more frequent government and private-sector delegations in recent months had opened the door to direct contact between business communities.
Yarqin Malikov, chairman of the Uzbekistan Exporters Association, said bilateral trade, once around $80 million, has now passed $1.8 billion. He credited stronger relations and growing trust between Afghan and Uzbek traders, adding that Uzbek investors are exploring joint ventures in Afghanistan.
The agreements come as an Afghan delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock travelled to Uzbekistan on Saturday for talks on wider cooperation, particularly in agriculture.