Uzbekistan is considered one of Afghanistan’s strategic partners in the fields of trade and transportation. In the first ten months of 2024, bilateral trade between the two countries witnessed significant progress. According to official reports from Uzbekistan, the country’s exports to Afghanistan during this period reached a value of $855.9 million, while imports from Afghanistan stood at $28.3 million.

Uzbekistan’s high export figures highlight its prominent role in Afghanistan’s market. A large portion of these exports include grains, energy (fuel products), and industrial goods. In particular, the export of fuel has not only met Afghanistan’s energy needs but has also contributed to a reduction in commodity prices within the Afghan market.

Reports indicate that around 650 Afghan cargo trucks travel daily to various cities across Uzbekistan. These numbers reflect the stability of transportation ties between the two countries and the transit facilities created to support trade. This development has helped reduce both the time and cost of imports and exports, directly impacting the prices of goods in Afghanistan.

While trade relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan are expanding, the improvement of infrastructure is seen as essential for further growth. Providing easier access to commercial visas, reducing transit-related obstacles, and enhancing transportation routes are crucial steps for facilitating trade and supporting Afghan traders.

Beyond trade, Uzbekistan plays a key role in Afghanistan’s investment landscape as well. A $1 billion agreement signed between Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum and Uzbekistan for the exploration and extraction of gas at the "Tutimdan" gas field in Jawzjan province is a notable example of long-term economic cooperation.

The trade partnership between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan holds strategic importance for both countries. Uzbekistan’s $855.9 million export figure underscores the strength of its production sector and Afghanistan’s broad import needs. At the same time, improvements in transportation links and new investment agreements are paving the way for further expansion of this relationship. To strengthen these strategic ties, both countries must work collaboratively on infrastructure development, trade facilitation, and policy coordination.