Afghanistan-Uzbekistan trade

Uzbekistan’s current Afghanistan policy appears to be inching toward greater practical cooperation with its “circumstantial” partner, the Taliban government. 

The route through Kandahar can lead to both Pakistan and Iran, an attractive prospect for Tashkent.

Tashkent sees stability in Afghanistan as essential for the security and stability of the broader Central and South Asian region.

Amid a recent visit by Uzbekistan’s prime ministers, the two sides signed $2.5 billion in trade and investment deals.

Significant changes in the international logistics system are fueling the development of trans-Afghan routes, but Uzbekistan may have to deal with increased competition.

While Western governments opt to wait out the crisis in Afghanistan, a unique opportunity arises as Central Asian states, in particular Uzbekistan, choose a pragmatic route. 

A large Uzbek delegation visited Kabul over the weekend, with trade and transit issues under discussion.

Tashkent’s approach to the Taliban has shifted over the years, with the latest swing moving it toward more direct engagement.

Uzbekistan’s position in the middle of Central Asia is a source of strength but also vulnerability.

In recent weeks, both Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have signed agreements with Afghanistan on energy supplies in 2022, despite unplanned outages.

Focusing on trade networks, Afghanistan’s neighbors hope to forge regional stability in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal.

Uzbekistan and the Central Asian states can offer Afghanistan a neighborly helping hand and the Taliban a clear understanding of their new responsibilities and obligations.