The potential for trade and economic cooperation between
Kazakhstan and Afghanistan was discussed at a bilateral business forum in
Almaty. Representatives from over 170 Afghan companies attended to strengthen
business ties. The parties plan to boost trade turnover to a record $3 billion,
and there is considerable potential for business growth. In the first eight
months of this year, trade between the two countries exceeded $330 million,
with the majority coming from Kazakhstan’s exports, which surpassed $316
million. Kazakhstan exported flour, sunflower oil, natural gas, and fertilizers
to Afghanistan, while imports have now exceeded $14 million. Overall, trade
agreements worth over $50 million were signed during the forum.
«With a population of around 40 million, the Afghan market
is a priority for exports. In this context, together with our colleagues and
Afghan business, we aligned our efforts and discussed the issues that currently
impact the development of bilateral trade and the overall increase in trade
turnover between the two countries. One of the main focuses is, of course, the
export of wheat and flour,» said Kazakh Vice Minister of Agriculture Yerbol Taszhurekov.
«Overall, economic and trade cooperation with Kazakhstan is
growing each year. We are opening a trading house for Afghan goods in Astana,
where our products will be showcased. Additionally, Kazakhstan’s trade house
has been opened in the city of Herat. I invite Kazakh investors to Afghanistan,
where we have significant potential in mining, industry, agriculture, trade,
and services,» said Afghan Minister of Commerce and Industry Nooruddin Azizi.
Special attention at the forum was given to logistics
issues. The parties discussed the possibility of establishing a specialized hub
along the «China - Kazakhstan - Afghanistan» route. Currently, Afghan goods are
supplied through Pakistan and Iran. The creation of a new logistics hub would
enable the countries to enhance exports and reduce delivery costs.
