Afghanistan has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding economic cooperation with Uzbekistan and China, with officials calling for stronger regional trade connectivity and the development of new transit routes.

Speaking at the Sarkhan Darya-China International Trade Forum in Termez, Afghanistan's Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi said Kabul was ready to deepen economic engagement with both neighboring and regional partners.

Azizi highlighted the importance of strengthening trade links and establishing new transit corridors connecting Central Asia, Afghanistan and China. He said improved transportation infrastructure would help increase export volumes and facilitate the movement of goods across the region.

The Afghan minister emphasized that the expansion of transit routes is essential for unlocking the country's economic potential and strengthening its position as a regional trade link between Central and South Asia.

He called for greater efforts to improve connectivity, increase cross-border trade and develop infrastructure capable of supporting larger volumes of commercial exchange.

Afghanistan's location gives it potential to serve as a key transit route connecting Central Asian markets with South Asia and China. Kabul has increasingly sought to capitalize on this geographic position by expanding economic ties with neighboring countries.

The forum in Termez brought together officials and business representatives to discuss opportunities for strengthening trade and investment cooperation.

Azizi's remarks underscored Afghanistan's interest in moving toward greater regional economic integration through expanded trade corridors and closer commercial relations.

Closer cooperation with Uzbekistan is particularly significant for Afghanistan's access to Central Asian markets, while stronger links with China could provide additional opportunities for investment, exports and infrastructure development.

Afghan officials have repeatedly stressed that increased regional trade and economic cooperation can contribute to long-term economic stability and create new opportunities for businesses and communities.

The latest discussions reflect Kabul's broader push to establish Afghanistan as an important trade and transit hub linking Central Asia, China and South Asia. (ILKHA)