BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb. 15
By Klavdiya Romakayeva - Trend:
Afghanistan plans to attract Uzbek companies as contractors to carry out engineering and construction work as part of a number of projects to develop transport infrastructure in Afghanistan, Trend reports citing the Ministry of Investments and Foreign Trade of Uzbekistan.
The issue was discussed during the meeting between the Prime Minister, Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade of Uzbekistan Sardor Umurzakov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan Muhammad Haneef Atmar, and the head of the Presidential Administration of Afghanistan Muhammad Shaker Kargar.
It is reported that the key point on the agenda was the practical aspects of interaction within the framework of the Roadmap for the implementation of the Mazar-i-Sharif – Kabul – Peshawar railway construction project, adopted on February 2 this year in Tashkent.
The parties also touched upon the implementation of the project for the construction of the Surkhan – Puli-Khumri power transmission line. The issues related to the organization of construction work, logistics, the supply of the necessary equipment, personnel safety, and other aspects were discussed. Moreover, an agreement was reached on close cooperation aimed at accelerating the progress of this project.
Also, the parties exchanged views on measures to actively involve entrepreneurs of the two countries in joint investment and trade activities.
In addition, proposals were voiced and considered attracting private companies of Uzbekistan to the implementation of joint projects in the mining, oil and gas, energy, automotive, and textile industries, as well as in the fields of agriculture, irrigation, and agricultural engineering in Afghanistan.
The parties also agreed to accelerate the elaboration of the Agreement on Mutual Encouragement and Protection of Investments and the Agreement on the Promotion of Mutual Trade to sign them in the near future. According to the negotiators, this step will create favorable conditions for the sustainable development of business ties between Uzbek and Afghan entrepreneurs.
As a result of the negotiations, an agreement was reached on the development and accelerated approval of a comprehensive Action Plan for 2021, which will include the entire range of agreements reached, agreed on projects, and initiatives, which will allow for coordinated bilateral interaction to effectively promote them.
---
Follow the author on Twitter: @romakayeva
