Uzbekistan and Afghanistan strengthen ties with new preferential trade deal

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to further expand mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, economy, transport and logistics, energy, agriculture, as well as in geological exploration and the extraction of mineral resources, the presidential press service reported.

President Mirziyoyev emphasized the urgent need to construct an industrial hub in Hairatan and to establish production facilities there for pharmaceuticals, furniture, textiles, construction materials, and agricultural processing.

The parties also voiced support for the implementation of major regional infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Trans-Afghan railway and the Surkhan–Pul-e-Khumri power transmission line.

In addition, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, held talks with Nooruddin Azizi, resulting in the signing of a Preferential Trade Agreement and a Cooperation Program in Trade, Economy, and Industry for 2025–2026.

It was previously announced in August last year that the Preferential Trade Agreement between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan would come into force on October 1. The agreement provides for the elimination of customs duties on 14 categories of goods and includes support measures for exporters. Uzbekistan will also simplify the issuance of phytosanitary certificates for Afghan agricultural products.