KABUL (Pajhwok): Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Kabul, Gaziz Akbasov, has said that bilateral trade between Astana and Kabul currently stands at around $500 million per year, but his country aims to increase it to $3 billion annually.
He made the remarks during a meeting with Chief of Staff at the Prime Minister’s Office, Mawlawi Abdul Wasi, on Sunday, according to a statement posted by the Presidential Palace on its X account.
The Kazakh ambassador said his country intends to expand trade with Afghanistan to three billion dollars per year through increased investment and broader commercial engagement.
He stressed that strengthening Kazakhstan’s relations with Afghanistan remains a priority.
He also expressed readiness to invest in Afghanistan’s mining sector, noting that constructive discussions had already taken place with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs.
Akbasov showed interest in investing in the Torghundi–Herat and Kandahar–Spin Boldak railway lines, stating that Kazakhstan was prepared to invest 500 million dollars in the railway projects and emphasising the importance of progress on these schemes.
He added that Kazakhstan, as a key economic partner, has authorised the export of fuel and food products to Afghanistan, a move expected to further boost bilateral trade.
For his part, Mawlawi Abdul Wasi said improved security in Afghanistan had created a favourable environment for development and investment, adding that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) considers this opportunity a key priority for achieving self-sufficiency.
kk/sa
