Uzbekistan to create a joint commercial zone on the border with Afghanistan

During its visit to Uzbekistan, a high-ranking delegation of the Islamic Emirate, led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, met with Honorable Jamshid Khodjaev, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan.

During the meeting, both sides discussed the expansion of trade and transit relations and the investment of Uzbek investors in Afghanistan. The Uzbek side stated that Tashkent is prepared to establish a joint commercial zone at the border between the two countries to enhance bilateral trade relations.

This commercial zone will include processing factories for pine nuts and cotton, packaging and logistics centers, and manufacturing units for various food products.

The Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan further stated that Uzbek investors are ready to cooperate with the Islamic Emirate in the exploration and extraction of oil and gas in Afghanistan and to invest in the industrial sector, including the establishment of a cement factory in Samangan province. He also noted that significant progress has been made in the exploration of the Toti Maidan gas field, and extraction operations are expected to commence soon.

The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of the Islamic Emirate welcomed the Uzbek side's proposals and assured full cooperation from the Islamic Emirate in these areas.