Meeting with Afghan businessmen and investors residing in Uzbekistan

Aug, 28, 2020

A high-level Afghan delegation led by Mr. Mohammad Hanif Atmar, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, based in Tashkent, met with representatives of the Afghan business community and investors living in Uzbekistan and listened to their concerns.

During the meeting, a number of traders and investors provided information regarding the trade opportunities between these two countries in connection with their business and investment activities. They said; the part of Uzbekistan's products could be a more appropriate and cheaper alternative to Afghan markets than those of other countries.

Businessmen and investors shared their problems with the delegation in various areas of work and called for government support and cooperation to address these challenges. According to investors, there are problems and challenges in various areas; These include banking, customs, transport, transit, ‌ businessmen residence, quarantine commuting of traders during COVID-19 pandemic, and distribution of special passports to businessmen.

The leadership of the delegation of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan asked them to present all their problems in text so that they could be addressed. Mr. Atmar further briefed the Uzbek Foreign Minister and Prime Minister on trade and investment issues and the facilities promised by the Uzbek government, and assured to address the issues in cooperation with the Office of the President and sectoral ministries and find the necessary solutions for them.

In this meeting, Mr. Shaker Kargar, General Director of Chief of Staff of the President, Mr. Mohammad Yama Shams, Acting Minister of Public Works, Mr. Abdul Karim Malikyar, Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce, Dawood Norzai, Head of Breshna Company, Mr. Ajmal Ahmadi, Head of Da Afghanistan Bank and other accompanying members were also present.