Uzbek and Kazakh businesspeople have agreed at a trade meeting in Tashkent to jointly export their goods to the markets of third countries, particularly Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq.
According to reports from Uzbek local media, the decision was made following a rapid increase in Kazakhstan’s exports to Afghanistan and the establishment of new trade routes for importing mineral raw materials from Afghanistan.
The two countries aim to increase the volume of their trade relations to $3 billion. It has been reported that Kazakhstan exported nearly $500 million worth of goods to Afghanistan during the first seven months of this year, equivalent to the total value of its exports to Afghanistan throughout the previous year.
In addition to exports, discussions were also held on importing mineral raw materials from Afghanistan. One of the key points raised during the talks was an agreement to supply zinc ore from Afghanistan to Uzbekistan’s Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex.
The meeting also examined ways to reduce transportation and freight costs. The Uzbek Chamber of Commerce proposed using the spare capacity of Turkish trucks returning from the region to transport goods.
According to the report, around 350,000 Turkish trucks pass through this route each year, and their drivers can travel without the need for a transit visa for Turkmenistan.
Uzbek and Kazakh businesspeople also agreed to further strengthen their commercial and transit role in the region by sending trade delegations to Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
