Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have taken another step toward strengthening their economic partnership, concluding a bilateral trade forum with the signing of 22 trade agreements aimed at expanding commerce, investment, and regional cooperation.

The forum brought together more than 600 business leaders and investors from both countries, underscoring growing interest in enhancing economic ties and fostering private-sector collaboration.

According to an official statement issued by the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), Afghanistan's Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nooruddin Azizi, and ACCI Chairman Sayed Karim Hashemi held high-level meetings with senior Uzbek officials on the sidelines of the event.

During the discussions, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to increasing bilateral trade, encouraging foreign direct investment, improving regional connectivity, and expanding cooperation between the private sectors of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.

Officials described the 22 agreements as an important milestone in advancing commercial relations and creating new opportunities for businesses in both countries. The accords are expected to facilitate trade, strengthen investment partnerships, and support broader economic integration across the region.

The trade forum reflects ongoing efforts by Kabul and Tashkent to deepen economic engagement through increased investment, infrastructure cooperation, and cross-border commerce, with both governments emphasizing the importance of stronger regional connectivity as a driver of sustainable economic growth. (ILKHA)