The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Alhaj Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, accompanied by a high-ranking Emirati delegation, returned to the country this afternoon following a two-day official visit to Uzbekistan.
During a press conference at Kabul International Airport, Alhaj Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund characterized his visit to Uzbekistan as highly productive. He emphasized that comprehensive and constructive discussions were held with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr. Abdulla Aripov, the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Jamshid Khodjayev, as well as the Ministers of Trade and Aviation, with a particular focus on strengthening bilateral trade relations.
Alhaj Mullah Baradar Akhund underscored that the cost of the 500-kilovolt power transmission line project from the Uzbekistan border to Dasht-e-Alwan in Afghanistan, initially contracted for $252 million, was successfully negotiated down to $222 million.
Furthermore, he stated that Uzbekistan committed to dispatching a technical team in the near future to conduct feasibility studies for the proposed railway line from Hairatan to Herat. The practical implementation of this vital infrastructure project is scheduled to commence ten days following the completion of the feasibility study, with Uzbekistan assuming financial responsibility for the technical assessment.
The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs further highlighted Uzbekistan’s commitment to increasing its electricity supply to Afghanistan during the summer months while simultaneously reducing tariffs.
Additionally, Alhaj Mullah Baradar Akhund announced that an agreement had been reached to enhance cooperation in the agricultural sector. Uzbekistan pledged to remove restrictions on Afghan agricultural exports, with specific contracts expected to be finalized in various sectors imminently.
Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, who was part of the high-ranking Emirati delegation to Uzbekistan, addressed journalists' inquiries regarding the discussions and agreements concluded. He affirmed that the visit yielded substantial outcomes, with extensive deliberations conducted across seven key sectors.
With regard to trade and banking restrictions, Minister Azizi noted that discussions were held on integrating the banking systems of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, thereby facilitating telegraphic transfers (TT) and financial transactions. These discussions aimed to establish the requisite infrastructure to support commercial enterprises in both nations.
Moreover, extensive negotiations were conducted on the prospective railway linkage from Hairatan to Spin Boldak, traversing Herat, Farah, Nimroz, Helmand, and Kandahar.
Minister Azizi emphasized that a principal objective of the visit was to achieve a more balanced trade relationship between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. The Uzbek Prime Minister assured his government’s full cooperation in facilitating and supporting joint economic initiatives.
Concluding his remarks, Minister Azizi revealed that agreements had been finalized to establish trade centers in four major cities of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. Additionally, discussions were held concerning a preferential trade agreement aimed at eliminating customs tariffs on ten key Afghan export commodities.
