Afghanistan and Uzbekistan Expand Trade and Transit Cooperation

The Government of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan are expanding economic and transit cooperation to integrate regional trade networks. During a series of high-level meetings in June 2026, officials focused on improving freight efficiency and enhancing cargo handling at the Hairatan and Naibabad stations. These discussions included plans to route goods from Chinese and Persian Gulf ports through Uzbek corridors and the potential for Uzbek trade houses to operate in Kabul, Balkh, Herat, and Nangarhar.

Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi promoted the Trans-Afghan Railway Project during the second Termez Dialogue on Connectivity, describing it as a strategic link between Central and South Asia. This diplomatic push follows significant trade growth, with Afghanistan reporting that imports from Central Asia rose 43% and exports increased 77% in 2025.

Parallel to the Uzbek initiatives, Afghanistan is pursuing economic ties with Iran. Governor Gholam Hossein Mozaffari has proposed the creation of free economic zones at the Islam Qala border crossing to further facilitate regional commerce. As part of the ongoing cooperation, Tashkent Deputy Governor Sharof Rashidovich has accepted an invitation to lead a trade delegation to Kabul in the coming months.