A number of Afghan investors and entrepreneurs have recently started their activities in the Afghanistan-Uzbekistan Joint Market in the Surxondaryo region of Uzbekistan. 

They believe that the establishment of this market will benefit the economic growth and development of the people in both countries. However, they are calling for easier access to this market.

Ghausuddin, an investor from Takhar, said: “The facilities currently provided for the citizens of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan are excellent, and, God willing, these facilities will continue in the future.”

Mohammad Rasul, a businessman from Jawzjan, said: “We request our government address the challenges faced by traders, so that more Afghans can rent shops in this market.”

Waheed Qadiri, a businessman from Balkh, said: “About 70% of the benefits go to Uzbek citizens, and perhaps 30% of the profits will benefit the people of Afghanistan. However, we must demonstrate our abilities, bring our handicrafts and other products, and showcase them.”

Officials at the market say that all necessary facilities for investors from both countries have been provided, and there are no restrictions for Afghans in this market.

Islam Nabiev, the representative of the joint market, stated: “This is a joint market, and our goal is to shorten the trade route between the two countries. So far, 34 Afghans have rented shops in this market, and this number may exceed 100 in the coming weeks. The rent and other conditions for Afghan and Uzbek entrepreneurs are the same, and anyone interested can invest in this market.”

Some Afghan citizens who have visited this market mention that getting there is time-consuming and call on Uzbekistan authorities to ease travel restrictions by providing more facilities.

Noor Ahmad Azimi, a resident of Balkh, said: “One of the issues from Uzbekistan's side is that their administrative process takes too long, preventing people from reaching the market quickly. There is a lot of interest among the people, but the process at the entry terminal is slow.”

Mohammad Hashim, another resident of Balkh, said: “We started our journey at 9 AM, but it was 2 PM when we reached the market due to the heavy traffic.”

Economic experts believe that the establishment of such joint markets with neighboring countries can promote economic growth, increase the sale of handicrafts and domestic products, and help resolve local challenges. They are calling for more facilities to be provided in this regard.

The Afghanistan-Uzbekistan Joint Market, which includes hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and other business amenities, is also open to Afghan investors. This market was inaugurated a short time ago in the presence of officials from both countries, and dozens of Afghans have already managed to rent shops there.