Astana and Kabul could raise agricultural trade to $1 bln

ALMATY. Oct 22 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan and Afghanistan are set to nearly double their agricultural trade in the short term, Kazakh Deputy Agriculture Minister Yerbol Taszhurekov said.

"Our countries have every opportunity in the short term to increase agricultural trade turnover to $1 billion. I am confident that we can achieve this ambitious goal through the close collaboration of our business communities," Taszhurekov said at the Kazakhstan-Afghanistan business forum in Almaty on Tuesday.

Trade between the two countries totaled $567.5 million in 2023, with Kazakhstan exporting $547 million in goods, primarily flour, wheat, flaxseed and sunflower oil, which account for 80% of its exports to Afghanistan. In exchange, Kazakhstan imports mineral water, fresh grapes and dried fruits from Afghanistan. Imports stood at $20 million in 2023.

Taszhurekov highlighted Afghanistan's importance as a trade partner, especially in agricultural and food products. He also emphasized Kazakhstan's readiness to cooperate and exchange supplies of key fertilizers and other agricultural goods. "Kazakhstan is prepared to increase exports of confectionery, vegetable oils, fertilizers and agricultural technologies to support Afghan agriculture," he said.