KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) says Afghan and Kazakh officials, at the Afghan–Kazakh trade forum in Kabul, have stressed increasing bilateral trade to $3 billion, expanding economic cooperation, strengthening transit links and creating further opportunities for mutual investment.
According to the MoCI, the forum—which includes an exhibition and business meetings—was held in Kabul on Saturday with the participation of Nooruddin Azizi, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Afghanistan; Serik Zhumangarin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan; Islamic Emirate officials; representatives of sectoral chambers; several deputy heads of sectoral departments; officials of economic institutions; and members of Kazakhstan’s private sector.
The statement said Azizi, while highlighting the importance of trade meetings and exhibitions between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan, described the high-level Kazakh delegation’s presence as a sign of strong commitment by both sides to expanding economic, trade and investment cooperation, as well as strengthening friendly relations.
The minister added that trade volume between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan increased by around 100 percent between 2022 and 2025, and by about 41 percent compared to last year.
He noted the signing of a cooperation roadmap and the target of increasing bilateral trade to $3 billion, calling it realistic and achievable.
He said reaching this goal requires greater efforts, improved facilitation, expansion of banking cooperation, stronger transit and transport links, and more investment opportunities.
Azizi, highlighting investment opportunities in agriculture, trade, manufacturing, mining, transit, logistics and energy sectors, urged foreign investors to invest in Afghanistan.
He described the exhibition and trade meetings as a valuable opportunity to create new partnerships, showcase products, exchange experience and expand economic cooperation.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy described Afghanistan’s stability as important for the region, saying the meeting would help strengthen relations and expand trade between the two countries.
He added that Afghanistan has the potential to expand regional ties and become a hub connecting Asian countries, and stressed Kazakhstan’s interest in investing in various sectors in Afghanistan.
The MoCI said the three-day exhibition features products from both countries across various sectors, with 50 stalls in total.
sa
