Afghanistan, Uzbekistan Discuss Expanding Trade Cooperation After Over 50% Growth

KABUL (Afghan Verified) -- Afghanistan's Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi met with Uzbek official Abdullah Azizov to emphasize expanding bilateral economic ties amid trade volume growth of more than 50 percent.

Both sides highlighted the potential for further trade expansion, including imports of high-quality Uzbek products with strict quality control and fair pricing. They invited Uzbek investors and companies to partner with Afghanistan's private sector.

The officials agreed to establish a joint working group for technical cooperation and to set up distribution centers for relevant products. They also announced plans for an upcoming Afghan private sector delegation to visit Uzbekistan.

Pajhwok Afghan News reported the discussions focused on the pharmaceutical sector, with Azizov representing Uzbekistan's Pharmaceutical Industry Development Agency and more than 20 major pharmaceutical companies expressing investment interest. The outlet said the joint working group would involve Afghanistan's Food and Drug Authority.

Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA), however, described the meeting as concerning the spices sector, with Azizov heading Uzbekistan's Spices Industry Development Department and the joint group partnering with Afghanistan's Spices and Food Department. RTA added that Azizov positively evaluated Afghanistan's security situation.