Afghanistan Allocates 1,000 Jeribs Near Hairatan for Special Economic Zone

DID Press: Taliban-run Ministry of Industry and Commerce says 1,000 jeribs of land near the Hairatan Border Crossing have been designated for the establishment of a special economic zone aimed at attracting regional investment, particularly from Uzbekistan.

Acting Minister Nooruddin Azizi announced the plan during a meeting in Kabul with Amanbay Orynbayev and an accompanying Uzbek delegation.

According to the ministry, both sides discussed expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation, increasing joint investments, and strengthening commercial ties between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.

Talks also focused on the export of Afghan cotton, coal, fresh and dried fruits, as well as cooperation in food processing, construction industries, tourism, pharmaceutical production, and mineral processing projects inside Afghanistan.

Afghan officials additionally proposed the creation of a coordination office in the Termez market area to facilitate communication between private sectors on both sides and support broader regional trade.

Azizi stated that the investment environment in Afghanistan is “favorable” for Uzbek investors and said the planned economic zone near Hairatan could become an important hub for regional commerce.

Meanwhile, Orynbayev announced that chambers of commerce representing Karakalpakstan would soon open offices in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan to help market Afghan exports and improve access to regional markets.