The volume of trade between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan significantly increased in 2023, reaching a sixfold growth compared to the previous year. This information was presented by the Afghan Ministry of Industry and Trade, Tolonews reports.
According to the representative of the ministry, Abdul Ahunzada, the trade turnover between the two countries in 2023 amounted to $266 million, whereas in 2022, it stood at $44 million.
Kabul imported goods worth $239 million from Tashkent, while exports to Uzbekistan amounted to $27 million.
Ahunzada also noted that Afghanistan's main export items included dried fruits, fruit juices, apricots, sesame seeds, and carpets. Imports from Uzbekistan included electricity, flour, beans, chemical fertilizers, oil, and gas.
What are the statistics from the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan?
However, according to the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan, the trade turnover with Afghanistan for the period of January-November 2023 reached $784 million, with 98% attributed to the export of goods from Uzbekistan. The trade turnover includes $774.6 million in exports and $9.5 million in imports.
For the entire year of 2022, the trade volume reached $759.9 million.
What are the Taliban's plans regarding trade with Uzbekistan?
In October, Afghanistan's Minister of Industry and Trade, Nuruddin Azizi, announced the government's plans to increase the trade turnover with Uzbekistan from $600 million to $3 billion.
Since the start of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Taliban after their takeover of Kabul in August 2021, numerous successes have been achieved, including the establishment of transit shipments between Uzbekistan and Pakistan through Afghan territory.
It is worth noting that in 2021, representatives of the temporary cabinet of ministers of Afghanistan, formed by the radical movement "Taliban," and members of the Uzbekistan government created working groups to address mutually interesting issues following negotiations in the city of Termez.
Tashkent is also implementing several projects in the territory of Afghanistan and regularly sends humanitarian aid to the local population.
What projects is Uzbekistan implementing in Afghanistan?
Infrastructure projects: Uzbekistan is actively involved in the construction and modernization of transportation infrastructure, including roads and railways. This ensures more efficient transportation links between the two countries and contributes to trade growth.
Energy projects: Uzbekistan supplies electricity to Afghanistan and participates in projects to build new energy lines and stations, helping improve energy independence and stability in Afghanistan.
Educational and cultural initiatives: Uzbekistan supports educational programs aimed at enhancing the qualifications of Afghan specialists and promotes cultural exchange between the two countries.
Humanitarian aid: Uzbekistan regularly sends humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, including food products, medical supplies, and other necessary resources to assist the population in crisis conditions.
Economic cooperation: In addition to trade, Uzbekistan participates in various economic projects, including agriculture and the development of small and medium-sized businesses in Afghanistan.
Earlier reports stated that Afghanistan lifted restrictions on railway transport for Uzbek companies.
Tensions in relations between Tashkent and the Taliban recently arose due to the construction by Afghanistan of the Koshtepa Canal, diverting water from the Amu Darya, without prior agreement with other countries located in the basin of this river.
According to experts, its launch could lead to a sharp reduction in the supply of water from the Amu Darya to Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Meanwhile, Afghan authorities announced the completion of the first section of the canal in mid-October.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
January 11, 2024