Afghanistan, Uzbekistan Sign 25 Trade Agreements Worth Over $300 Million

A trade forum between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan was held in Kabul, attended by Nooruddin Azizi, Afghanistan's Minister of Industry and Commerce, and Erkinjon Turdimov, governor of Uzbekistan's Syrdarya province, along with private sector representatives from both sides.

During the event, 25 commercial memoranda of understanding valued at more than $300 million were signed between private businesses from the two countries, covering sectors including construction, foodstuffs, agriculture, mobiles and furniture, clothing, and spices.

Azizi stated that relations between the two countries have seen unprecedented development in recent years and highlighted an increase in bilateral trade volume in 2025 compared to 2024. ToloNews reported that the trade volume rose nearly 153 percent year-over-year. Azizi added: "We must be beneficial to each other, transport costs are low, special visa issues have been facilitated, there are no current problems, and best of all, there is the will to increase relations between the two countries."

Turdimov emphasized expanding not only trade but also industrial cooperation, joint companies, value-added chains, and new projects. He noted opportunities for investment in Uzbekistan and its exports to Europe, urging traders to discuss proposals. Turdimov said: "We must develop with Afghanistan not only trade, but industrial cooperation, create joint companies and value-added chains, prepare new projects in this regard, and to deepen these fraternal and mutually beneficial ties further, we have come to Kabul today with a large delegation of traders."

Syed Karim Hashemi, head of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, described the forum as an important opportunity for cooperation and highlighted extensive investment prospects, crediting a secure environment created by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan's efforts for enabling economic growth.

The agreements come amid growing commercial ties between Kabul and Tashkent, with ToloNews noting that 45 prior trade agreements worth over $20 million had been signed between the two countries.