Uzbekistan and Afghanistan establish joint business council to boost economic ties

The council comprises 32 influential representatives from both countries. The Uzbek side is represented by the leadership of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry alongside various sectoral associations. The Afghan delegation includes officials from their national Chamber of Commerce and Investment as well as heads of leading private enterprises. This structured collaboration is designed to foster direct dialogue between entrepreneurs and stimulate investment activity across the border.

The activities of the council will primarily focus on high-priority sectors including construction materials, pharmaceuticals, food products, textiles, electrical engineering, and petroleum products. Officials noted that these areas offer the most significant opportunities for developing industrial cooperation and expanding the variety of goods traded between the two neighbors.

During the meeting, participants discussed the implementation of new joint projects and the necessity of direct partnerships. A central theme of the negotiations was the ambitious goal to increase the volume of mutual trade to $5 billion in the near future. To reach this target, both sides agreed on a specific action plan focused on expanding export potential, implementing digital customs systems, developing financial and insurance services, and ensuring transparency in all trade processes.

Davron Vakhobov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, emphasized the significance of this initiative, noting that it serves as a platform for forming new partnerships and increasing investment intensity. To maintain this momentum, the council plans to regularly organize exhibitions, business forums, and B2B meetings.