Afghanistan, Uzbekistan Expand Cooperation in Pharmaceutical Sector

DID Press: Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan is set to expand in the pharmaceutical sector following high-level talks focused on drug production, regulatory standards, and market access.

A delegation from Afghanistan’s National Food and Drug Authority (AFDA) held discussions with Abdullah Azizov, head of Uzbekistan’s medical and pharmaceutical industry development agency, on strengthening bilateral cooperation in healthcare and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The Afghan delegation’s visit aimed to explore Uzbekistan’s production capacities and establish direct channels of cooperation between regulatory and industrial bodies in both countries.

During the meeting, both sides discussed facilitating the entry of Uzbek pharmaceutical companies into the Afghan market, mutual recognition of drug registration procedures, and implementation of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) inspections in production facilities. Expansion of bilateral trade in pharmaceutical products was also examined in detail.

Members of the Afghan delegation visited several pharmaceutical factories in Uzbekistan, where they reviewed modern quality control systems and technological production processes. They reportedly praised the quality of medicines and the extensive reforms implemented in Uzbekistan’s pharmaceutical sector.

In addition to commercial issues, the two sides also discussed scientific and technical cooperation, including upgrading laboratory infrastructure, launching training programs, enhancing regulatory capacity, and exchanging expertise in inspection and oversight systems.

At the conclusion of the talks, officials from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating the entry of Uzbek pharmaceutical brands into Afghanistan and agreed to maintain regular dialogue to implement long-term and mutually beneficial projects.