Business leaders from Afghanistan’s northern Balkh province and Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh region have agreed to strengthen trade and investment cooperation during a meeting in Mazar-i-Sharif, with a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed to promote closer economic ties.

The meeting brought together representatives of the private sectors of Balkh and Jizzakh to explore opportunities for expanding bilateral trade, encouraging investment and developing new areas of economic cooperation.

Participants discussed ways to increase commercial exchanges and create stronger links between businesses in the two regions. They also highlighted the potential for joint investment projects and greater private-sector involvement in cross-border economic activity.

New Agreement to Deepen Economic Cooperation

As part of the meeting, business representatives signed a new MoU aimed at establishing a framework for closer cooperation and facilitating mutually beneficial investment.

The agreement is expected to help businesses identify new commercial opportunities, expand market access and develop partnerships in sectors with potential for growth.

Officials and business leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening direct links between private companies and creating an environment conducive to increased investment.

Focus on Trade and Private Investment

The discussions in Mazar-i-Sharif focused particularly on expanding trade and unlocking the economic potential of Balkh and Jizzakh.

Balkh, which borders Uzbekistan, has long been an important commercial gateway for Afghanistan's trade with Central Asia. The province's proximity to Uzbekistan gives businesses in the region opportunities to develop cross-border supply chains and increase access to Central Asian markets.

Jizzakh, meanwhile, is an important agricultural and industrial region of Uzbekistan, offering potential opportunities for cooperation in trade, manufacturing, agriculture and investment.

The participants said stronger economic ties could contribute to job creation, increased private investment and broader regional economic integration.

Strengthening Afghanistan-Central Asia Economic Links

The agreement comes amid efforts to expand Afghanistan's economic relations with neighboring Central Asian countries.

Business communities in the region have increasingly sought to improve trade links, transportation networks and investment cooperation, with Afghanistan positioned as a potential bridge between Central and South Asian markets.

The Balkh-Jizzakh initiative is expected to provide businesses from both sides with additional opportunities to establish partnerships and expand their activities.

The participants expressed confidence that continued private-sector engagement and implementation of the MoU could help translate the agreement into concrete trade and investment projects, strengthening economic cooperation between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. (ILKHA)