The results of the visit to Ashgabat of the Afghan delegation led by Acting Minister of Industry and Trade Nuruddin Azizi were summed up in Ashgabat at a bilateral meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen side was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, Orient reports.
During the negotiations, a wide range of issues related to the expansion of trade and economic relations between neighboring countries was discussed, and a detailed review of the results of the visit of the Afghan delegation to Turkmenistan was made, including the specific agreements reached, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan reports.
The issues of promoting the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline projects, the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP) high-voltage power transmission line, the construction of railways to improve connectivity, as well as social infrastructure facilities in the neighboring country, which are important for the economy of the neighboring country, were considered.
The importance of the joint business forum and exhibition of Afghan goods held in Ashgabat, other business events and meetings held these days in the Turkmen capital with the participation of members of the Afghan delegation and which laid the foundation for regular working contacts was noted.
The fact that trade and economic relations between Turkmenistan and Afghanistan are entering a new phase is evidenced by the figures announced during the business forum. In particular, the volume of trade turnover between the two countries in 2023 amounted to $457 million, and in January of this year reached $46 million, which is more than twice as high as in the same period last year.
Nuruddin Azizi also noted that Afghanistan's foreign policy is based on regional economic and trade convergence and there are real and practical opportunities for investment in the country's mining, industry, agriculture, trade, energy and services sectors.
The three-day exhibition of Afghan products in Ashgabat also served as an opportunity for Afghan producers to enter the Turkmen market. And among the 76 stands of Afghan companies at the exhibition, 15 are dedicated to women's entrepreneurship.
The current trade and economic mission provided an opportunity for Afghan delegates to identify the most promising areas for supplies to Turkmenistan and cooperation in various fields.
CentralAsianLIGHT.org
March 6, 2024