Kazakhstan and Afghanistan Aim to Triple Trade Volume to $3 Billion
Last Updated on December 28, 2024 6:55 am
Nooruddin Azizi, acting minister of industry and commerce, announced at a government media center event that an agreement has been reached to increase the trade volume between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan to $3 billion.
Azizi, explaining the outcomes of the Islamic Emirate and Kazakhstan delegations’ visits, stated that the current trade volume between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan is approximately $1 billion, with Afghanistan’s exports to Kazakhstan being minimal.
According to the acting minister of industry and commerce, during the meetings between the two delegations, agreements worth $100 million were signed. Additionally, a roadmap for cooperation in various sectors was agreed upon, which, when implemented, will raise the trade volume between the two countries to $3 billion.
The private sectors of Afghanistan and Kazakhstan reached agreements on the following points:
1. Emphasis on implementing the roadmap to increase trade volume to $3 billion.
2. Kazakhstan’s readiness to import potatoes, cotton, pomegranates, figs, and other fruits.
3. Launching direct flights between Kabul and Almaty by airlines of both countries.
4. Kazakhstan’s support and readiness to cooperate on the railway project.
5. Allocation of a space for Afghan goods at the Khorgos Port.
6. Expansion of banking relations between the two countries.
7. Formation of a committee to resolve trade disputes.
Nooruddin Azizi stated: “The commitment we previously made with the Republic of Kazakhstan is to increase our trade volume from about $1 billion to $3 billion. Afghanistan, by the grace of Allah, has mineral resources, agricultural products, precious and semi-precious stones, dried fruits, and carpets to offer.”
Azizi described Kazakhstan as an excellent market for Afghan products, adding that to boost trade, customs tariffs on Kazakh goods will be reduced.
The acting minister of industry and commerce said: “The food material tariffs in Afghanistan are already very low, and if any adjustments are needed in the plans, we will cooperate, God willing. We will reduce tariffs, facilitate transportation, and work to minimize the time and effort for truck movement.”
On the other side, Kazakhstan’s deputy minister of trade and integration, Kairat Torebayev, described the agreements as beneficial for both countries. He also assured the continuation of Kazakhstan’s humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
Kairat Torebayev said: “We place great importance on cooperation with Afghanistan, its people, and Afghan companies. Therefore, the main focus is trade, particularly with the Ministry of Commerce. This week, we brought a large delegation of about 40 individuals, including representatives of the private sector. There are several areas where we seek cooperation, primarily in mining, telecommunications, IT, transportation, and more.”
A delegation of the Islamic Emirate, led by the acting minister of industry and commerce, visited Kazakhstan on the 27th Mizan of this solar year to participate in the second Afghan-Kazakh exhibition. In this three-day exhibition, 250 Afghan traders showcased Afghan products and goods in various sectors.