Uzbekistan’s leather footwear industry marked a new export milestone, with local manufacturer Kashif Ferghani signing a $9.5mn contract with Afghan company Cyber to supply leather shoes, the Uzcharmsanoat (Uzcharm) Association reported.

The agreement was finalized during a series of business meetings held in Mazar-i-Sharif between representatives of Uzcharmsanoat, its member enterprises, and Afghan business circles. Discussions focused on deepening trade and economic cooperation, boosting exports, and attracting foreign investment.

The contract with Afghan Cyber marks a step in expanding Uzbekistan’s presence in regional markets, particularly in the leather and footwear sector.

During the visit, the Uzbek delegation also met with Ahmad Aimal, head of Aysan — a company supplying special footwear to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs. Aimal expressed strong interest in Uzbek products and indicated a willingness to pursue future cooperation.

Further interest came from Afghan entrepreneur Ajan Habibi, who voiced plans to partner with Uzbek manufacturers and import leather goods from Uzbekistan. Additionally, representatives of Afghan company SY Horizon expressed interest in conducting a reciprocal visit to Uzbekistan to explore partnership opportunities.

Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan reached $504.5mn in the first four months of 2025, up from $319.4mn during the same period in 2024 and $260.3mn in 2023.