A senior Afghanistan chamber of commerce delegation has travelled to Uzbekistan to participate in the second international dialogue on connectivity between Central and South Asia, as efforts continue to expand regional trade and investment links.
The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment said the delegation is led by its president, Sayed Karim Hashemi, and will attend meetings, business forums and bilateral discussions with Uzbek officials and private-sector representatives during the Termez Dialogue.
According to the chamber, the visit is aimed at exploring opportunities to strengthen trade and economic cooperation between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, attract investment and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
The delegation is also expected to discuss regional economic integration and Afghanistan’s role as a transit corridor linking Central Asia with South Asia.
Uzbekistan has emerged as one of Afghanistan’s key economic partners in recent years, with both sides promoting projects in trade, transport, energy and infrastructure. Tashkent has repeatedly supported initiatives designed to improve regional connectivity through Afghanistan.
Regional forums such as the Termez Dialogue have gained importance as Central Asian countries seek greater access to South Asian markets and trade routes. Afghanistan’s geographic position has made it a central component of many proposed transport and logistics projects.
The visit comes as international organizations continue to highlight the importance of regional cooperation for Afghanistan’s economic recovery. A recent report by the United Nations Development Programme noted that Afghanistan remains heavily dependent on regional partners for critical sectors, including energy, where around 80% of the country’s electricity is imported, mostly from Central Asian states.
UNDP has also stressed that improved regional connectivity, investment and infrastructure development could help reduce Afghanistan’s economic vulnerabilities and support long-term growth. The agency said stronger trade links with neighboring countries could play a significant role in boosting employment, expanding markets and improving economic resilience.
