Commerce Minister Calls for Major Push to Expand Exports to Regional Markets

econews. According to an official statement from the Ministry, Minister Azizi used the forum platform to advocate for deepening trade and economic ties, forging new transit corridors linking Afghanistan with Central Asia and China, strengthening joint cooperation frameworks, and unlocking fresh investment opportunities between Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and China. He characterized Afghanistan’s participation alongside Uzbek and Chinese officials and business leaders as a pivotal moment for reinforcing regional economic integration.

Azizi noted that Afghanistan's bilateral relations with Uzbekistan have entered a promising new phase in recent years. He pointed to reciprocal high-level visits, exchanges of business delegations, trade-focused meetings, and private-sector agreements as key drivers that have paved the way for expanded trade, streamlined transit, and increased investment.

Turning to Afghanistan's eastern neighbor, the Minister highlighted China as a vital economic partner and stressed the importance of scaling up exports to the Chinese market. He specifically called for streamlined transport solutions that would allow Afghan goods to move efficiently through Uzbekistan’s trade and transit networks en route to China and other regional destinations.

Minister Azizi also reaffirmed Afghanistan’s openness to foreign investment, inviting Chinese and Uzbek firms to explore opportunities in the country’s mining, agriculture, processing industries, energy, heavy machinery, manufacturing, and economic infrastructure sectors. He argued that joint ventures and local processing of raw materials within Afghanistan would generate sustainable, mutual benefits for all participating nations.

The high-level gathering was attended by Jamshed Khodjaev, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan; China’s Minister of Culture; Ulugbek Kasimov, Governor of Surkhan Darya; Mullah Mohammad Yusuf Wafa, Governor of Balkh; Mawlavi Abdul Ghafar Bahr, Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Tashkent; Sheikh Abdul Rahman Qant, Deputy Minister of Mines and Petroleum; Mawlavi Ahmad Jan Bilal, Director General of State-Owned Enterprises; along with numerous representatives from Afghanistan’s private sector.

In his remarks, Governor Wafa of Balkh echoed the Minister’s sentiments, underscoring the strong and friendly ties between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan while spotlighting investment prospects in Balkh province and the nationwide security conditions that enable economic activity.

On the sidelines of the forum, Minister Azizi and his delegation toured an exhibition showcasing Uzbek products and goods, further signaling the commitment to cross-border commercial collaboration.