At the initiative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, the Uzbekistan – Afghanistan Business Forum was organized in Tashkent.

The event, which was intended to support exporters and help organize new sales markets, was attended by heads of ministries, industry associations, and almost 200 representatives of the business community of the two countries.

The main theme of the event was strengthening ties between the two countries’ business circles, which is a decisive factor in further developing investment, trade, and economic cooperation.

“I express my gratitude on behalf of the Afghan people for the humanitarian assistance regularly provided at the direction of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev”, says Al-Haji Khairuddin, Deputy Chairman of the Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Investment. “I hope that the forum, where prospects for enhancing cooperation are discussed, will provide an opportunity to develop joint measures to increase the activity of entrepreneurs in the two countries”.

At the event, attention was paid to the development of industrial cooperation. It was noted that light industry, electrical engineering, production of building materials, agriculture, leather and footwear, pharmaceutical, and food sectors are considered promising areas. Guests were provided with detailed information about the conditions created in Uzbekistan for doing business, free economic zones, and tax and customs benefits. In recent years, mutual ties have been developing, and good neighborliness, friendship, and cooperation in various directions have been strengthened.

As part of the event, entrepreneurs from the two countries participated in B2B meetings.

In 2023, trade with Afghanistan was $866.9 million. Exports exceeded $856.6 million, and imports were $10.3 million. Afghanistan is one of Uzbekistan’s ten main trading partners.

On the eve of the forum, an exhibition of goods from Uzbekistan’s manufacturers was organized. At this exhibition, the products of manufacturers and artisans working in more than 120 directions were presented.

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Mukharrama Pirmatova, photos by Rustam Nazarmatov, UzA