KABUL, Afghanistan — A delegation of Uzbek business representatives has expressed interest in purchasing Afghan coal in an effort to maintain trade balance between the two countries, according to the Taliban’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
In a statement released Monday, the ministry said the meeting took place in Kabul a day earlier and included officials from the Taliban-controlled ministries of mines and petroleum, as well as industry and commerce.
The talks centered on strengthening private sector initiatives and expanding trade between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, the statement said. Discussions also included plans to establish a cement factory in the northern province of Samangan and create commercial hubs in both countries.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Afghanistan’s trade sector has faced significant challenges, including restrictions on the country’s banking system, visa issuance hurdles, and difficulties in transferring funds.
Some Afghan business leaders say the lack of international recognition of the Taliban government, combined with global sanctions, has created considerable obstacles for trade and investment.
