ISMI Delegation Participates in Conference in Afghanistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 6–7 September 2025, a delegation from the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies (ISMI) under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, led by First Deputy Director Akramjon Ne’matov, took part in the international conference “Attracting Investment and Supporting the Power Sector” in Kabul.

The event, organized by Afghanistan’s state energy company Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), brought together representatives from 22 countries, including officials and specialists from Afghanistan, as well as energy ministries of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan. Experts from international organizations, such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank, also participated.

During the conference, Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Abdul Ghani Baradar, emphasized that the energy sector is a key driver of the country’s economic development. He highlighted Afghanistan’s significant hydro, wind, and solar energy potential and stressed that efficient use of these resources would not only ensure domestic energy self-sufficiency but also allow Afghanistan to become an energy exporter. He called on foreign countries to initiate joint energy projects to support sustainable economic growth.

Supporting this view, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs Abdul Salam Hanafi underlined the urgent need to develop the energy sector to restore Afghanistan’s economy. He noted that the country currently requires 3,500 megawatts of energy, a figure expected to rise to 6,000 MW by 2032, while the total available electricity—both domestic and imported—stands at only 1,300 MW. Hanafi urged regional countries to intensify cooperation with Kabul in this sector, emphasizing that Afghanistan seeks constructive engagement with the world rather than conflict, and that concrete economic and infrastructure projects are vital for sustainable development.

DABS CEO Abdul Bari Omar stressed that Afghanistan’s doors are open to all foreign investors. It was highlighted that Central Asian countries play a major role in ensuring Afghanistan’s energy security, supplying approximately 90% of its imported electricity valued at over $6 billion, with Uzbekistan accounting for 32% of this total.

During the conference, the Uzbek delegation, led by Minister of Energy Jurabek Mirzamahmudov, signed mutually beneficial contracts and major investment projects worth $250 million. These agreements include expanding existing substations, constructing new ones, and laying new power transmission lines. Key projects include the 500 kV Surkhan–Pul-i-Khumri transmission line, expansion of the Dashti-Alvan and Argandi substations, and extending the 220 kV transmission line to the Sheikh Mesri substation with its modernization. The projects are scheduled for completion within 18 months.

Overall, the implementation of these projects is expected to enhance energy security, stimulate the creation of new industrial capacities, and generate employment. Strengthened energy ties will also contribute to Afghanistan’s deeper integration into regional networks.

During the visit to Kabul, a meeting was held with DABS CEO Abdul Bari Omar, who noted that “Uzbekistan is a reliable neighbor with which bilateral cooperation continues to develop steadily. Afghanistan is interested in deepening its comprehensive partnership with Tashkent.”