Afghanistan Launches Agricultural Exports via Uzbekistan Amid Border Closures with Pakistan
Afghanistan has begun exporting agricultural products through Uzbekistan, as its borders with Pakistan remain closed due to ongoing military tensions, the Taliban administration announced.
According to Haji Zaid, spokesperson for the Taliban in Balkh province, a new agreement has been signed with Uzbekistan to export Afghan produce—including pomegranates, figs, vegetables, and other seasonal fruits—by air to countries in Central Asia, South Asia, and Europe.
Zaid also noted that, in addition to agricultural exports, numerous agreements have been made with Afghan traders to export meat to Uzbekistan, and this process is now underway. The necessary contracts have reportedly been signed, and flights are currently being scheduled.
The Taliban aims to use this air corridor as an alternative trade route to Pakistan, whose traditional land crossings are now largely inactive due to ongoing closures at key border points.
The closure of northwestern and southeastern crossings with Pakistan—previously the main export and import routes for Afghans—has placed significant economic pressure on the country’s traders and farmers. It remains unclear how effectively the Uzbekistan route can compensate for these disruptions. The Taliban had previously pledged to boost exports, but structural challenges and the absence of an internationally recognized government have hindered long-term progress.
