KABUL: A group of Afghan traders and agricultural experts has traveled to Uzbekistan with support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to strengthen cotton trade relations with Uzbekistan’s textile sector and promote cotton as a sustainable alternative to poppy cultivation.
According to a report released on Monday by the UN agency, the visit took place from April 25 to May 2 with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
During the trip, Afghan delegates met with Uzbek government institutions, cotton farmers, textile associations, chambers of commerce, and private companies to discuss opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation in cotton production, processing, and trade.
The initiative was carried out under the framework of the UN’s counter-narcotics working group and aimed at enhancing engagement between Afghanistan and the international community.
The report stated that discussions focused on improving the quality of Afghan cotton, certification standards, and processing capacity to help Afghanistan’s legal agricultural products gain access to regional and international markets.
Uzbek textile companies reportedly showed strong interest in purchasing Afghan cotton after reviewing product samples. Initial contracts reportedly range between 100 and 300 tons, with expectations that future trade volumes could rise to 30,000 tons.
Officials from Afghanistan and Uzbekistan described the visit as an important step toward strengthening economic cooperation, expanding regional trade ties, and supporting sustainable and lawful agriculture in Afghanistan.
The Islamic Emirate has repeatedly emphasized support for sustainable alternative crops for Afghan farmers as part of efforts to combat poppy cultivation.
Afghan traders visit Uzbekistan as cotton emerges as sustainable alternative to poppy cultivation
