Wednesday, 29 July 2026
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen economic relations and expand trade cooperation, Mr. Faiz Ahmad Khawafi, Deputy Chairman for Provincial Affairs of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), accompanied by Mr. Kamal Nabizada, a Member of the ACCI Board of Directors, travelled to Balkh Province on Monday, 27 July, together with a trade delegation from Uzbekistan's Fergana Region, led by the Governor of the region, Mr. Khayrullo Bozorov.
The visit reflected the shared commitment of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan to expanding trade and transit relations while creating new investment opportunities across the region. Upon their arrival at Mawlana Jalaluddin Balkhi International Airport, the delegation received a warm welcome from Mr. Mohammad Ibrahim Ghazanfar, Chairman of the Balkh Chamber of Commerce and Investment, and the Deputy Governor of Balkh Province. The delegation then visited the Fergana Products Exhibition in Mazar-e-Sharif. The exhibition provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the region's economic potential and production capabilities while fostering closer cooperation between the business communities of both countries.
The delegation later participated in an important meeting at the Office of the Governor of Balkh, attended by the Governor of Balkh Province, Mr. Khayrullo Bozorov, Governor of Fergana Region, Mr. Faiz Ahmad Khawafi, Mr. Kamal Nabi Zada, Mr. Mohammad Ibrahim Ghazanfar, Chairman of the Fergana Chamber of Commerce, and five Deputy District Governors from Fergana Region. Discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade, facilitating visa issuance for traders, promoting joint investments, and enhancing transit cooperation. The active participation of the Governors of Balkh and Fergana, members of the Chambers' Boards of Directors, local officials, traders, and investors reflected the strong determination of both sides to deepen regional economic cooperation.
In his remarks, Mr. Khawafi described the visit of the Fergana trade delegation, together with previous exchanges between regional business representatives, as a clear demonstration of the shared commitment of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan to promoting trade and investment. He expressed confidence that the visit would pave the way for increased bilateral trade, new investment opportunities, and stronger economic cooperation between other provinces of Afghanistan and neighboring regions of Uzbekistan.
During a joint press conference held at the Continental Hall in Balkh, the ACCI Deputy Chairman for Provincial Affairs, the Governor of Balkh, and the Fergana trade delegation highlighted the significance and achievements of the visit. On the sidelines of the event, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Balkh Chamber of Commerce and Investment and the Fergana Chamber of Commerce. In addition, 13 commercial agreements, valued at more than US$35million, were concluded between traders and business representatives from both sides across various sectors.
These achievements reflect the strong commitment of both parties to expanding regional cooperation, increasing trade and transit, and strengthening economic ties. It is expected that the continuation of this cooperation will further promote investment opportunities, improve regional transit infrastructure, expand economic activities, and advance the shared interests of both countries.
