Tashkent Emphasizes Expansion of Trade Cooperation with Afghanistan

DID Press: President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has called for the expansion of trade relations with Afghanistan, stressing that closer economic cooperation will benefit both sides.

Speaking at a meeting with regional governors in Tashkent, Mirziyoyev highlighted good-neighbourly relations and described the Afghan people as culturally rich and hardworking, urging stronger “friendly and brotherly” ties.

During the session, officials from Uzbek border provinces outlined ambitious trade targets. The governor of Surkhandarya said half of the province’s projected $1 billion exports this year are expected to go to Afghanistan.

The governor of Fergana also announced readiness to expand investment projects and increase exports, while the governor of Andijan revealed a $1 billion export agreement with Afghanistan, including plans to deliver $600 million in goods and services by 2026.

According to official figures, bilateral trade between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan reached $1.678 billion in 2025, marking a significant increase compared to previous years.