Monday, 27 July 2026
The Afghan–Uzbek Business Forum, a landmark event in the advancement of regional economic cooperation, was held at the InterContinental Hotel in Kabul with the participation of senior government officials, traders, and investors from both countries. The forum concluded successfully with the signing of 22 trade agreements (MOUs) across various sectors.
The event was attended by Mr. Jamshid Khodjayev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Mr. Nooruddin Azizi, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Afghanistan; and Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI). Also in attendance were the Ministers of Transport and Mining of Uzbekistan, the Governor of Fergana Region, more than 300 Uzbek traders and investors, members of the leadership of the Chambers of Commerce of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, and more than 300 Afghan traders and investors.
In his address, Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of ACCI, welcomed the distinguished guests and participants and emphasized the significance of organizing such a major event, describing it as a milestone in the history of economic relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. He stated:
"This forum is not merely a business gathering; it is a symbol of our shared determination to expand economic cooperation and build a more prosperous future for the peoples of both countries. It reflects our mutual trust and our strong commitment to strengthening strategic relations."
Mr. Hashemi expressed his sincere appreciation for the unwavering support of the leadership of both countries in promoting economic and trade relations and highlighted the important role of these partnerships in achieving sustainable regional development.
Mr. Nooruddin Azizi, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Afghanistan, underlined the importance of the forum in promoting trade and economic growth and expressed hope that annual bilateral trade between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan would reach the long-term target of USD 5 billion. He also stressed the importance of facilitating transit procedures and developing logistics infrastructure along regional trade corridors.
Mr. Jamshid Khodjayev, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, described the forum as an effective platform for strengthening the brotherly and commercial relations between the two countries. He encouraged Uzbek traders and investors to take advantage of the investment opportunities available in Afghanistan. He also announced the Uzbek Government's plans to establish logistics centers, reduce preferential tariffs, and invest in the energy, agriculture, and other sectors. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of investing in Afghanistan's cotton sector and purchasing 100,000 tons of Afghan cotton annually.
Mr. Khairullo Bozorov, Governor of Fergana Region, introduced the investment opportunities and economic potential of Fergana Province and called for expanding bilateral cooperation in trade and investment between the two countries.
In addition to the above-mentioned speakers, the forum was attended on the Afghan side by the Deputy Chairmen, members of the Board of Directors, and members of the Executive Committee of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment. The Uzbek delegation included the Ministers of Transport and Mining, the Deputy Governor of Tashkent Province, the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Afghanistan, the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, as well as other senior government officials and members of the accompanying delegation.
