Taliban Officials and Uzbekistan Discuss Boosting Trade and Resolving Customs Issues
The Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Taliban administration has announced that Nooruddin Azizi, the Minister of Industry and Trade, met with Erkinjon Turdimov, the governor of Uzbekistan’s Syrdarya province, to discuss increasing commercial trade, expanding exports, and facilitating customs processes. During the meeting, both sides also emphasized holding a joint trade forum and expanding cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries.
According to the ministry’s newsletter, the meeting took place this afternoon in Kabul with a delegation from Uzbekistan present. Azizi began the session by recalling the relations between the two countries and stated that the Taliban administration is keen on expanding economic cooperation, especially between Afghan and Uzbek traders.
The Minister of Industry and Trade further provided information about Afghanistan’s trade status with regional countries, mentioning the import of cement, chemical fertilizers, medicine, and other essential items. He also invited Uzbek traders to visit Afghanistan to explore investment opportunities and collaborate by meeting members of the private sector.
Azizi highlighted the current year’s cotton harvest and described the quality of Afghan cotton as “excellent,” considering its export to Uzbekistan a suitable option. He added that expanding agricultural exports could meet some of Uzbekistan’s market needs.
The meeting also discussed organizing an international trade forum in Syrdarya province and resolving customs issues to facilitate trade and transit between the two countries. Afghan traders have frequently complained about customs challenges and transit restrictions in recent years; if unresolved, these issues could hinder regional trade growth.
The governor of Syrdarya also provided information about the industrial capacities and factories in the province and mentioned Uzbek traders’ interest in importing fresh fruits from Afghanistan, particularly pomegranates, as well as cottonseed. The Uzbek delegation included 30 traders from Syrdarya province.
Afghanistan and Uzbekistan are important trading partners due to their shared border and geographic location. Expanding economic cooperation could positively impact markets and job opportunities in both countries.
