Uzbekistan Ratifies Preferential Trade Agreement with Afghanistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan has signed a decree ratifying the Preferential Trade Agreement between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.

The agreement was originally concluded on June 10, 2025, during the Tashkent International Investment Forum and signed by Ministers Laziz Kudratov and Nuriddin Azizi.

Under the agreement, the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade (MIFT) and the Customs Committee of Uzbekistan are designated as the authorized bodies responsible for its implementation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is tasked with notifying Kabul of the completion of all necessary measures for the agreement to enter into force. The Cabinet of Ministers and relevant agencies will oversee compliance with the agreement’s provisions.

The accord provides for the elimination of tariffs on 14 categories of goods, simplifies the issuance of phytosanitary permits for Afghan agricultural products, and expands support measures for Uzbek exporters.

In February 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev held online talks with Nuriddin Azizi to discuss accelerating the entry into force of the agreement, advancing investment projects, and fostering industrial cooperation. A new joint business forum is scheduled to take place in Kabul after the conclusion of Ramadan.