Afghanistan Expands Economic Ties with Central Asian Countries Through Trade and Projects

A delegation from Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan attended the first meeting of Strategic Studies Centers and Think Tanks of Afghanistan and Central Asia in Kabul.

Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said ties with these nations have expanded and described Afghanistan as a natural bridge between Central Asia and South Asia.

Trade with Uzbekistan stands at 1.5 billion dollars, with both sides agreeing to raise the figure to 5 billion dollars. The cooperation includes 1 billion dollars in investment for the Totimaidan gas field and 240 million dollars for electricity transmission.

Trade with Turkmenistan exceeds 900 million dollars and involves the TAPI gas pipeline, the Torghundi-Herat railway, and 12 million dollars invested in the railway.

Trade with Kazakhstan ranges between 500 million and 1 billion dollars. Kazakhstan remains a major wheat supplier and has committed 500 million dollars to the Torghundi railway.

Cooperation with Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan focuses on transit and energy. Shared projects include CASA-1000, TAPI, the Lapis Lazuli Route, and the Afghan-Turan railway.