Afghanistan and Uzbekistan held a business meeting in Termez to discuss strengthening economic ties, focusing on significant Uzbek investment in Afghanistan and the expansion of bilateral trade.

The meeting, attended by Afghanistan's Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nooruddin Azizi, and Uzbekistan's Minister of Investment, Industry, and Commerce, Liziz Qudratov, aimed to build upon agreements made during Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar’s recent visit to Uzbekistan.

Key discussions revolved around Uzbek investment in Afghanistan's economic sectors, including the establishment of an economic-commercial complex in Hairatan, as well as projects in food production, poultry farming, pharmaceutical industries, cement production, and horticulture, particularly pistachio orchards.

The initial investment is projected to exceed $200 million, with projects planned for Balkh, Samangan, and Kunduz provinces.

The meeting also addressed plans for a regional exhibition in Termez to promote trade among neighboring countries. Other topics included the establishment of trade houses, customs cooperation, product standardization, agricultural collaboration, and capacity building.

Following the discussions, the delegations toured the economic-commercial complex in Termez, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing bilateral trade relations. (ILKHA)