Uzbekistan and Afghanistan Agree on $30 mln Discount for Electricity Export Project

Uzbekistan has agreed to lower the cost of its electricity export project to Afghanistan by $30 mln. Originally valued at $252 mln, the project now stands at $222 mln, following negotiations between the two countries. The initiative involves the transmission of 500 kV electricity from Uzbekistan to the Dashti Alwan area in Afghanistan.

This decision was confirmed by Nuruddin Azizi, the Afghan Minister of Commerce, who stated that the primary objective of the talks was to establish a balance between the import and export of goods and services between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.

Beyond the electricity deal, Uzbekistan pledged to take several steps to enhance bilateral cooperation. The country agreed to send a team to Afghanistan to work on the feasibility study for the Hairatan-Herat railway project, which will improve transportation links between the two nations. Furthermore, Uzbekistan committed to increasing electricity exports to Afghanistan during the summer months and reducing tariffs, a move aimed at addressing Afghanistan’s energy needs more efficiently.

In addition, Uzbekistan will remove existing restrictions on Afghan agricultural products, which is expected to open up new opportunities for Afghan exports. To further deepen economic cooperation, both countries have agreed to establish four commercial centers in major cities, enhancing trade and investment prospects across their borders.