Tashkent plans to substantially boost meat imports from Afghanistan as part of a new phase of cooperation in agriculture and livestock, reports AVA Press.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock.
Meat Supplies and Agro-Partnership Expansion
According to the Afghan Ministry of Agriculture, the sides discussed mechanisms to increase exports of Afghan livestock products to Uzbekistan.
In recent years, Kabul has actively expanded meat production, making strengthened trade channels with neighboring countries a key component of its economic strategy. Uzbekistan, in turn, seeks to ensure stable food supplies and diversify external sources of meat amid rising domestic demand and modernization of its processing industry.
Collaboration in Horticulture and Seed Breeding
The two countries also explored:
- establishing new orchards in Faryab province;
- implementing joint seed breeding projects;
- expanding cooperation in agrotechnology and irrigation systems.
Faryab is considered a promising region in northern Afghanistan for horticulture due to its climate and available land. Tashkent, with its advanced agrotechnical schools and experience in exporting fruits and vegetables, may transfer technology and provide specialist training.
Deepening Regional Ties
Uzbekistan and Afghanistan have significantly intensified economic cooperation in recent years. Beyond agriculture, projects in logistics, cross-border trade, energy, and transport infrastructure are being discussed — including the Termez–Mazar-i-Sharif–Kabul–Peshawar railway.
The expanded agricultural cooperation benefits both countries: Uzbekistan secures new food supplies and access to the Afghan market, while Afghan producers gain a stable trading partner.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
December 1, 2025