Afghanistan and Central Asia Launch Trade Dialogue, Target $10 Billion Trade Growth
Key Takeaways
- Kabul hosts inaugural Afghanistan–Central Asia Consultative Dialogue with five Central Asian nations.
- Afghanistan aims to reach $10 billion in Central Asia trade within 3–4 years.
- Dialogue seeks to bolster regional cooperation through formal talks and expanded trade.
Historic Dialogue
Afghanistan hosted the first-ever Afghanistan–Central Asia Consultative Dialogue with five Central Asian nations.
“In a significant step towards regional cooperation, Afghanistan hosted the first-ever Afghanistan–Central Asia Consultative Dialogue on Sunday”
The dialogue aimed to establish a multilateral mechanism for diplomatic coordination and economic cooperation.
Foreign Minister Muttaqi emphasized the platform's role in advancing mutual trust and stability.
Trade Growth Goals
Afghanistan aims to more than triple its trade with Central Asia to $10 billion within three to four years.
The volume of external trade reached $2.7 billion in 2025, up sharply from previous years.
Flagship projects include the TAPI gas pipeline, with 25 kilometers completed on the Afghan side.
Regional Challenges
Access to southern seas via Afghanistan is vital for Central Asia, whose traditional route through Russia is disrupted by sanctions.
“Afghanistan wants to boost trade with Central Asian countries”
Afghanistan faces a severe humanitarian crisis and a months-long conflict with Pakistan.
Several countries maintain embassies in Afghanistan despite limited international recognition of the Taliban.
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