An Afghanistan-Uzbekistan business networking meeting held in Kabul concluded with the signing of 18 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) worth more than $150 million between companies from the two countries.
The agreements cover construction, chemicals, cosmetics, and several other sectors.
During bilateral meetings, business representatives from both countries explored opportunities for cooperation and joint investment.
Mujeeb-ur-Rahman Shirzad, Deputy for Strategy at the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said: “We believe that trade relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan are of particular importance for the economic growth of both countries, the expansion of investment, the creation of job opportunities, and the improvement of people’s welfare. Developing trade between the two countries is not merely an economic matter, but also an important means of strengthening mutual trust, friendship, and regional cooperation.”
During the meeting, the head of Uzbekistan’s Exporters Association expressed his country’s readiness to cooperate in construction, electrical equipment, and the export of Afghan agricultural products.
Yarqin Malikov, head of Uzbekistan’s Exporters Association, said: “We have identified numerous investment opportunities in Afghanistan, and many of our businesspeople plan to establish joint ventures in the country. We also intend to invest in meat processing in Afghanistan, as mutton prices are lower there than in Uzbekistan. For this reason, we aim to process meat in Afghanistan and begin exporting meat products to Uzbekistan and other countries.”
In another part of the meeting, Uzbek businesspeople discussed trade opportunities in Afghanistan and potential areas of cooperation with Afghan companies.
They emphasized the importance of establishing direct connections between companies from both countries to increase bilateral trade.
Azmat, an Uzbek businessman, said: “We have brought more than 30 businesspeople from over 10 different sectors to Afghanistan. The main purpose of this visit is to introduce Uzbek products to the Afghan market, establish reliable business partnerships, and create opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation in the future.”
Saeed, another Uzbek businessman, said: “I participated in this event to find a business partner in Afghanistan. There is now an opportunity to reach a major trade agreement. There is considerable interest in our products in the Afghan market, which is very encouraging for us.”
The meeting was organized to establish direct connections between businesspeople from the two countries. The signed agreements are expected to pave the way for new trade partnerships between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.
