Chairman of the Afghanistan International Chamber of Commerce (AICC) Azarakhsh Hafizi has stressed the need for boosting trade ties between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. He was addressing a meeting comprising representatives of private sectors of the two countries. The meeting was also attended by officials of the Uzbek embassy in Kabul. Hafizi said although trade and business between the two countries was limited, there was great scope for enhancing trade ties. In this regard, the AICC chief referred to the vast natural resources, advanced industry and quality production in Uzbekistan. He said trade between the two countries had decreased over the past one year but there were chances of boosting trade in view of the existence of closer transit routes and cultural and linguistic ties between the two countries. Hafizi said Uzbekistan was a developed country in term of industry and Afghanistan could use its experience in strengthening its own industrial sector. Referring to the development of infrastructure in Afghanistan over the past four years, Hafizi promised his country would facilitate Uzbek businessmen to come and invest in various private sectors here. He hoped the Uzbek government would reciprocate in the same coin. Pointing out that Uzbek officials are not allowing lorries carrying goods to cross into Uzbekistan, Hafizi requested the government of that country to address the problem. The embassy officials, present in the meeting, assured they would extend all possible cooperation to solve the problems faced by Afghan businessmen. On this occasion, officials of the Uzbek embassy presented a report about achievements of their country in the business sector. Uzbekistan has a 137 kilometre border with Afghanistan. (Asia Pulse)