Preferential Trade Agreement Between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan Could Come into Force Within Two Weeks

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The preferential trade agreement between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan is expected to come into effect within two weeks.

This was announced on 17 January by Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Oybek Usmanov, during an open dialogue between diplomats and business representatives.

During the meeting, one business leader highlighted the need to expand preferential trade agreements not only with Afghanistan but also with Pakistan, emphasizing the high export potential of these countries for finished products.

Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev inquired why the Afghan side was delaying the process, despite Uzbekistan having submitted all the necessary documents. In response, Ambassador Usmanov explained that the relevant ministries of both countries had signed the document two months ago, and on Uzbekistan’s side, the matter is personally overseen by the Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade, Laziz Kudratov.

“Negotiations between the ministries of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan regarding the entry into force of the preferential trade agreement are ongoing. God willing, it should take effect within two weeks,” the ambassador noted.

The Deputy Prime Minister proposed fixing the date of the agreement’s entry into force in the protocol as two weeks from now.

It should be recalled that in June 2025, Minister Laziz Kudratov held talks with Afghanistan’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Nuriddin Azizi. These negotiations resulted in the signing of the Preferential Trade Agreement and a Cooperation Program in Trade, Economic, and Industrial Spheres for 2025–2026.