Afghanistan, Uzbekistan ink preferential trade agreement

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have signed a preferential trade agreement to reduce tariffs and eliminate trade barriers, in addition to facilitating smoother access to markets for both nations, state media reported on Wednesday.

Along with a Joint Action Plan, the agreement was signed during the 4th Tashkent International Investment Forum, Bakhtar News Agency reported.

The agreement was formalized during a meeting between Afghanistan's interim Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi and Uzbek Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade Laziz Kudratov.

The signing of the Joint Action Plan marks a crucial step toward strengthening economic relations, supporting the private sector, and encouraging sustainable trade development in the region, Afghanistan's Ministry of Industry and Commerce said in a statement.

During their discussions, the two ministers expressed a strong commitment to expanding economic ties and establishing practical platforms for long-term cooperation, underscoring the importance of collaboration in fostering mutual growth and investment.