Afghanistan and Uzbekistan sign $2.5B deals

In a significant move to strengthen economic ties, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan signed a series of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) totaling $2.5 billion. The agreements, spanning across energy, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors, were signed by Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov and Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund at the Afghanistan International Exhibition Center in Kabul.

Government officials and representatives from both countries’ private sectors witnessed the signing ceremony, which included 12 investment agreements worth $1.4 billion and 23 trade agreements valued at $1.1 billion.

Speaking at the event, Baradar expressed confidence in the agreements creating new opportunities for investment, trade, and job creation in both nations. This historic signing reflects the strong political will and commitment of the leadership in Afghanistan and Uzbekistan to deepen economic integration in the region.

Aripov’s visit to Kabul marks his first since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. The two countries, sharing a 144-kilometer border, have been steadily enhancing political, security, and economic cooperation.