Uzbekistan to import coal from Afghanistan

During a visit to Kabul, the Uzbek delegation met with representatives of the Taliban’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, expressing readiness to import Afghan coal. In turn, private companies from both countries signed trade agreements worth $4.5 million, according to a report by Tasnim news agency.

"The parties discussed trade preferences, the construction of a cement plant in Afghanistan’s Samangan province, and the organization of joint exhibitions," the report states.

In May 2025, a delegation led by Minister of Transport Ilhom Mahkamov visited Afghanistan and held negotiations with Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaqi. At that time, it was emphasized that a technical team would soon arrive in Kabul to purchase over 1 million tons of coal.

It should be recalled that in early December last year, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed transformation programs for metallurgical enterprises and plans for 2025. During the meeting, it was stated that $1 billion in investments would be attracted for mining and geological projects in 2025, kaolin production would increase by 50%, and coal mining would be expanded to 10 million tons.