1. Home

Speech of Deputy PM Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund on the Occasion of Meeting the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

To the esteemed Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the honorable members of the Uzbek cabinet, officials, and all attendees:
Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.

I pray to the Almighty for the good health and well-being of everyone present.

It is indeed a matter of great joy that today we are gathered in the capital of our friend country, Uzbekistan. First and foremost, I extend my best wishes and gratitude for facilitating this opportunity to discuss several mutual and significant issues between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.

It is evident that Uzbekistan is one of the neighboring countries that shares close religious, historical, cultural, and ethnic ties with Afghanistan. These foundational commonalities have had a profoundly positive impact on the trade relations between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan throughout history, increasing commercial interactions and investment opportunities between the two nations.

Since the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, trade relations between the two countries have been steadily growing and strengthening. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan views the excellent reciprocal relations between the two nations positively and is prepared to foster further cooperation and collaboration with Uzbekistan in the fields of trade and investment in the future.

Below, I briefly highlight some key issues between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan to pave the way for technical discussions and decisions:

 

 

1. Topics Related to the Banking Sector:

  1. We request that the procedural steps for bank transfers between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan be expedited to enhance commercial convenience and prevent delays in relevant transactions.
  2. If, at the request of Afghan banks, relevant transfers to other countries are conducted through the mediation of Uzbek banks, it will contribute to the development of our banking sector and mutual banking relations.
  3. To strengthen the reciprocal banking ties between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, the Central Bank of Uzbekistan should provide relevant facilities to eliminate certain restrictions and enhance relationships between the banks of both countries.
  4. It would be preferable to use the national currencies of both countries in trade relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.
  5. Cooperation by Uzbek banking experts in capacity building for Afghanistan's banking sector would be beneficial in improving our sector's capabilities.

2. Issues Regarding Border Customs Systems and Joint Markets:

  1. Considering that customs operations at the Uzbekistan border have been operational 24 hours and the system integration is ongoing, we request that the integration process be expedited, requiring your special attention.
  2. Afghan traders face challenges in transporting goods to the joint market between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. We request that these challenges be resolved to further strengthen trade relations between the two countries.
  3. Additionally, the double taxation agreement has been sent to you through official channels. We hope it will soon be finalized to create more facilities for traders.

3. Issues Related to Permits, Visas for Afghan Traders, and Export Controls:

  1. Afghan traders face challenges in obtaining permits for trade with Uzbekistan, preventing them from easily exporting their goods. Eliminating these permit requirements would reduce negative impacts on trade between the two countries, as similar requirements are not imposed for goods from other nations.
  2. To strengthen trade relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, the visa issuance process for Afghan traders should be expedited to address their challenges and encourage further trade.
  3. Increased inspection and control of Afghan export goods by Uzbekistan have been observed, with locks on all transit goods being individually broken. We request facilitation in this matter or alternative solutions to be identified.

4. Implementation of Agreements on Hydrocarbons and Mines:

  1. Two agreements regarding hydrocarbons and minerals have been signed with Uzbekistan, but their practical implementation has not yet commenced. We request that the necessary steps be taken as per the agreements.

5. Electricity Transmission and Production Projects:

  1. Documents related to the 500 kV electricity transmission line project with Uzbekistan have been completed and shared. We request the prompt initiation of practical work on this project.
  2. As a proposal, I would like to mention that Afghanistan has sufficient coal reserves. If Uzbekistan is interested in investing in electricity production from coal, we will provide the necessary facilities for such projects.

6. Opportunities for Foreign Investment in Infrastructure Projects:

  1. The Afghan Trans Railway project, connecting Central Asia to South Asia, is one of the significant projects. We request its speedy advancement according to the plan.
  2. If Uzbekistan is prepared to invest through public-private partnerships in projects such as the Mazar-e-Sharif–Sheberghan railway, the Naibabad logistics center, and other infrastructural projects, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is fully ready to cooperate.
  3. Additionally, we invite Uzbekistan to invest in the second Salang Tunnel, which connects Central Asia to South Asia and plays a vital role in transit. The Islamic Emirate welcomes and supports such investments. Similarly, we extend an invitation to Uzbekistan to invest in the railway project connecting Mazar-e-Sharif to Herat, facilitating its trade with Iran and China, which will play a constructive role in regional stability and development.
  4. We request Uzbekistan to significantly reduce transportation costs (tariffs) for goods transported via the China-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan-Afghanistan railway. This reduction will lower overall goods costs and strengthen mutual trade.
  5. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has created opportunities for domestic and foreign investment in textile factories, cement production, oil refineries, salt mine extraction and processing, e-governance, and other sectors. Given Uzbekistan’s experience and interest in these areas, we welcome and request its investment. Sharing modern agricultural techniques, managing water resources effectively, and providing advice for agricultural development will also play a vital role in educating Afghan farmers and mechanizing agriculture.

In conclusion, I once again emphasize the importance of addressing the above-mentioned issues and providing assurances for finding suitable solutions to the existing challenges.

With respect,