In Surkhandarya region, an Uzbek-Afghan business forum was held at the Educational Center for training Afghan citizens under the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education of Uzbekistan.

Within the framework of the forum, ceremonial opening of the border trade zone “Uzbekistan-Afghanistan”, created at the export center “Termiz kargo” of Termez district, was held, UzA reports.

There are all conditions for entrepreneurs of the neighboring state in the border shopping area. A customs terminal, a spacious hotel, a restaurant and service points are ready to serve Afghan entrepreneurs. Provision of documents based on the “single window” principle plays an important role in implementation of the process of their execution without any obstacles, and most importantly – quickly and efficiently.

There are more than 300 types of food, textile, leather and footwear, pharmaceutical, construction, automotive products of domestic production for the guests in the pavilions operating here.

During the business forum, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan Adkham Ikramov, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan M. Yurish, Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the IRA Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahmon and others emphasized that the relations developing between our countries in recent years are an important step towards stable development of Afghanistan. 

“This forum is a logical continuation of these events. In the region, there are 144 enterprises with the participation of Afghan capital. They are specialized in the fields of production, service and others. A favorable business environment created in the country is essential to their success,” the head of the regional territorial administration of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan B. Mardayev said.

Last year, $7.3 million was invested in the region with the attraction of Afghan capital. Over the past period of this year foreign investment in the amount of $6.6 million was attracted.

In 2019-2020, with participation of direct investment by Afghan entrepreneurs, 14 projects worth $30 million are planned to be implemented in the fields of industry, services and agriculture.

According to experts, Afghanistan is the closest, most reliable and largest market for our country. In the neighboring state, there is a great need for a developed industry in Uzbekistan, its potential in the transport and energy sectors, including agricultural products. On this basis, measures are planned for the further development of trade-economic ties with Afghanistan. At the same time, special attention is paid to reducing railway, transit and other payments, and increasing the volume of trade.