Taliban Administration Signs Two Economic Agreements with Uzbekistan

Officials from the Taliban administration in Balkh province have announced the signing of two new economic agreements between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. Under the terms of these agreements, Uzbekistan will supply cement to Afghanistan, while the export route for Afghan coal will be redirected from Pakistan to Uzbekistan.

The second agreement stipulates that Uzbekistan will export high-quality pharmaceutical products to Afghanistan — a move that could help alleviate the ongoing shortage of medicines in the Afghan market.

These agreements come at a time when the Taliban administration remains isolated by the international community due to its lack of legitimacy and repressive policies. The lack of transparency surrounding the content and implementation of these deals has raised concerns about potential exploitation of Afghanistan’s natural resources.

Meanwhile, economic experts warn that the benefits and transparency of such agreements must prioritize the Afghan people rather than reinforcing unaccountable power structures — especially in light of the country’s severe poverty and widespread unemployment.