Afghan economic activity in Uzbekistan contributes to post-war restoration

Afghan economic activity in Uzbekistan contributes to post-war restoration - Central Asia News Afghanistan Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Uzbekistan Tajikistan Turkmenistan-Sports Business and Entertainment

Aleksandr Davydov

2008-10-11

TASHKENT, Nov.7 — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Uzbekistan released information on the economic development efforts of Afghans in Uzbekistan. There are currently 122 Afghan business projects being developed in the country, some of which are being financed entirely with foreign capital.

Uzbek Minister for Foreign Affairs Vladimir Norov addresses the general debate of the 63rd session of the General Assembly, Sept. 27. (U.N. Photo)

In 2006, trade turnover of those businesses was $163.7 million [USD]. In 2007, bilateral trade turnover totalled $332.3 million.

In 2008, an Afghan business delegation headed by the Minister for Power and Water Management visited Uzbekistan twice. In the course of negotiations, construction of a 43 km electric power line was discussed.

In August 2008, the first round of negotiations on the construction of a Hairaton-Mazar-i-Sharif railroad line was held.

"During the war, as you know, we supported the 'Northern Alliance,’ an MFA spokesman said. "Now, when this country is adjusting to a peaceful life, our task is to closely cooperate with the Afghan government and to assist our neighbour in establishing a normal economy, without being dependent on drugs production. We are extremely interested in this.”