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Preferential trade agreement between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan to enter into force on October 1
A delegation of Uzbekistan headed by Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov visited Afghanistan on August 17, the press service of the head of government reported.
The delegation also included Minister of Energy Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, Minister of Transport Ilkhom Makhkamov, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Mining and Geology Bobur Islamov, Minister of Agriculture Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov and others.
Representatives of Uzbekistan held meetings with the Acting Prime Minister of Afghanistan Abdul Ghani Baradar, his Deputy for Administrative Affairs Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy for Political Affairs Abdul Kabir and Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaki.
Increasing trade turnover to $3 billion
The parties noted that "relations between the countries are based on the principles of friendship, cooperation and good neighborliness," and Uzbekistan considers Afghanistan an integral part of Central Asia.
During the meetings, issues of developing trade relations, bringing effective cooperation in the energy sector to a new level, implementing joint projects for the development of copper, iron, oil and gas deposits, as well as in the field of transport and logistics, agriculture and water management, education, and the development of interregional relations were discussed.
Representatives of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan noted that there is every opportunity to increase mutual trade turnover to $1 billion in 2024 and $3 billion in the near future, and for this it is necessary to "consistently implement unused resources on a mutually beneficial basis."
Agreements on the protection of bilateral investments and preferential trade
Abdulla Aripov and Abdul Ghani Baradar also held a meeting with businessmen from Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.
It was reported that the preferential trade agreement between the two countries will enter into force on October 1. According to this document, import duties on 14 different goods will be abolished, and conveniences will be created for exporters.
To further increase the import of agricultural products from Afghanistan, it is planned to simplify the procedure for issuing phytosanitary permits.
Since August 1, the Ayritom-Khayraton border post has been transferred to a 24-hour mode of operation. A 15-day visa-free regime and exemption from all taxes will be introduced for visitors to the Termez International Trade Center.
For the active work of Afghan businessmen in Uzbekistan, an agreement on mutual encouragement and protection of investments was signed between the two countries.
Exhibition of Uzbekistan goods
The delegation of Uzbekistan also took part in the official opening ceremony of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan business forum and the Made In Uzbekistan exhibition in Kabul.
The exhibition presents textile, leather and footwear products, carpets, fruit and vegetable products, electrical and cable products, automotive and agricultural machinery, metallurgical, petrochemical and many other types of finished products of Uzbek enterprises.
As TOLONews reports with reference to the Deputy Prime Minister of Afghanistan, 35 investment and trade agreements worth $2.5 billion were signed between the countries.
The exhibition will last until August 21.
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