Afghanistan calls on Uzbekistan to simplify visa and customs procedures

Afghanistan has proposed that Uzbekistan simplify visa, trade, and customs procedures, the press service of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) reported.

On 14 October, CCI Chairman Davron Vakhabov met with a delegation led by Aryan Azimi, Deputy Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI). The meeting addressed ways to expand trade and economic cooperation, strengthen private-sector ties between the two countries, and encourage mutual investments.

Azimi, in particular, called for simplifying the process of issuing invitations and business visas for Afghan entrepreneurs. The discussion also touched on accelerating cargo handling at the Termez port and optimizing customs procedures.

The Afghan delegation further proposed opening an ACCI representative office in Tashkent, noting that such a move would help strengthen Uzbekistan–Afghanistan investment ties.

The parties also discussed holding quarterly B2B meetings in Tashkent, Kabul, Termez, and Balkh, as well as organizing annual trade exhibitions. The proposed venues for these exhibitions include either Tashkent and Kabul or Termez and Mazar-i-Sharif.

Lengthy customs procedures and border controls were also highlighted among the main complaints from visitors to the Ayritom free trade zone. According to a survey by the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR), 71% of the zone’s clients expressed dissatisfaction with these issues.