Termez, 30 August 2024 (TDI): In a significant move to bolster regional economic cooperation, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan have jointly inaugurated the Termez International Trade Center, located in the border town of Termez on the Uzbek side.
The center aims to enhance political relations, expand exports, and strengthen connectivity between Central and South Asia.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Afghanistan’s Interim Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, underscored the importance of the trade center in fostering bilateral ties and promoting regional trade.
He highlighted that the facility would offer new investment opportunities, strengthen trade relations, and create employment in both countries.
On the sidelines of the event, Mullah Baradar met with Uzbek officials, including the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov, to discuss the enhancement of commercial ties and investment prospects.
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund has embarked on an official visit to the border city of Termez in Uzbekistan to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Termez International Trade Center. pic.twitter.com/oUVwtGHGH3
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Uzbekistan-Afghanistan Cooperation
Following the discussions, the Uzbek PM announced that Tashkent is ready to facilitate the export of Afghanistan’s fresh fruits to Central Asia and beyond.
Hamdullah Fitrat, the Deputy Spokesperson for Afghanistan, stated that the opening of the Termez International Trade Center marks a crucial step towards improving mutual trade relations and advancing regional cooperation.
Sakhi Ahmad Paiman, First Deputy of the Chamber of Industries and Mines, emphasized the significance of high-level delegations traveling between the two nations.
He added that both countries could leverage each other’s economic capacities to their advantage.
The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment welcomed the initiative, highlighting that Afghan investments in the Termez International Trade Center could significantly boost exports.
Khan Jan Alokozai, a board member of the Chamber, noted that the center provides a conducive environment for investment, allowing Afghans to easily bring their goods and sell them.
Moreover, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar welcomed Azerbaijan’s decision to open an embassy in Kabul and encouraged the country’s private sector to invest in Afghanistan.
The inauguration of the trade center comes shortly after a high-level visit by a delegation led by the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan to Afghanistan.
During the visit, Kabul and Tashkent signed 35 investment and trade agreements worth $2.5 billion.
