A high-level Taliban delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdul Ghani Baradar, visited Tashkent on February 22 for talks with Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev. The discussions focused on strengthening trade and transit relations, as well as expanding Uzbek investments in Afghanistan.
During the meeting, the Uzbek side proposed the establishment of a joint trade zone at the border to facilitate bilateral trade. This zone would include processing plants for pine nuts and cotton, packaging and logistics centers, and food production workshops.
Uzbekistan also expressed interest in investing in Afghanistan’s industrial and energy sectors, including the exploration and production of oil and gas. Uzbek investors are particularly keen on developing the Tuti Maidan gas field, where production is expected to begin soon. Additionally, plans were discussed for the construction of a cement plant in Afghanistan’s Samangan region.
Abdul Ghani Baradar welcomed these initiatives and expressed confidence in further cooperation between the two nations.
Uzbekistan Aims to Boost Trade Turnover with Afghanistan
The visit follows recent high-level engagements, including Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov’s trip to Kabul on August 17. Talks in Kabul covered key areas such as trade, energy cooperation, joint mineral resource development, transport and logistics, agriculture, and education.
Both sides emphasized their commitment to increasing bilateral trade turnover, with a goal of reaching $1bn in 2024 and $3bn in the near future.
Uzbekistan continues to play a key role in Afghanistan’s economic reconstruction, fostering trade and investment partnerships despite ongoing regional challenges.
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