Afghan and Uzbek Businessmen Emphasize Increasing Joint Investments

The head of Afghanistan's Chamber of Commerce and Industries met with Uzbek investors along with other Afghan businessmen. The group emphasized the importance of increasing joint investments and expanding trade between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.

Discussions during the meeting centered on strengthening economic cooperation and exploring new opportunities for business partnerships. Participants highlighted the potential benefits of closer ties in various sectors.

This meeting takes place as the Taliban prioritize trade with Central Asian nations. Afghanistan has lost access to sea transit routes that previously went through Karachi port in Pakistan, Jebel Ali port in the United Arab Emirates, and Bandar Abbas port in Iran.

Consequently, businessmen have turned to Central Asian routes for importing nearly all essential goods, including food items. This shift has become necessary due to the changed transit situation.

The border crossings at Torkham and Spin Boldak have been closed for 250 days. The closures began on 20 Mizan 1404 according to the solar calendar after Pakistan restricted Afghan trade and transit following clashes with the Taliban.