Uzbekistan and Afghanistan Launch Business Council

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 26 March, the Uzbek-Afghan Business Council was officially established at the Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, holding its first meeting with a delegation led by Muhammad Karim Khoshimi, Chairman of Afghanistan’s Trade and Investment Chamber.

The council comprises 32 members, including Uzbekistan’s Chamber leadership and representatives of sectoral associations, alongside Afghan representatives from the Trade and Investment Chamber and leading private companies.

The council’s activities cover priority sectors such as construction materials, pharmaceuticals, food processing, textiles, electrical equipment, and petroleum products, creating broad opportunities for industrial cooperation and expanded trade between the two countries.

During the meeting, participants discussed measures to strengthen trade and economic relations, facilitate direct business interactions, and implement new joint projects. Both sides agreed to raise bilateral trade to US$5 billion in the near term and outlined concrete steps to achieve this goal. Priorities include expanding export potential, introducing digital customs systems, developing financial and insurance services, and ensuring transparent trade processes.

The parties also emphasized the importance of regular exhibitions, business forums, and B2B meetings to boost interaction between business communities.

Davron Vakhabov, Chairman of the Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted the initiative’s significance, stating that it will foster direct dialogue among entrepreneurs, promote new partnerships, and stimulate investment activity.

The council’s consistent implementation of agreed measures is expected to elevate Uzbek-Afghan trade and economic cooperation to a new level and significantly increase the volume of mutual trade.