Uzbek Trade Delegation from Andijan Visits Herat to Boost Economic Ties

A high-level trade delegation from Uzbekistan's Andijan province, led by Governor Shukhrat Rahmanov, arrived in Herat province on Tuesday to discuss strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.

Rahmanov was accompanied by Uzbekistan's ambassador to Kabul, the head of the Chamber of Commerce, and around 60 traders. He met with Herat Governor Sheikh Maulana Islamjar, according to spokesman Mufti Mohammad Yousuf Saeedi.

The discussions covered expanding trade and transit routes, developing highway and railway infrastructure links, establishing a permanent exhibition of Uzbek products in Herat, and opening a Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce office in the province.

Islamjar highlighted Herat's role as a key economic and transit hub, noting the need for imports from Uzbekistan such as food, oil, cement, and construction materials. He invited Uzbek investments and pledged local support.

Rahmanov described Herat as a vital gateway to Central Asia and expressed readiness to increase trade volumes and pursue investment opportunities.

Both sides agreed to organize a visit by Herat traders to Andijan for a joint business exhibition in the near future. Preparations are underway for a joint Afghan-Uzbek trade office in Herat.