Ministry of Economy: Afghanistan’s GDP Reaches $16 Billion
The Ministry of Economy of of Afghanistan announced that the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached $16 billion in the solar year 1403 (corresponding to 2024–2025 Gregorian calendar).
According to ministry officials, this figure, along with an increase in per capita income surpassing $446, reflects a relative improvement in the country’s economic activities despite ongoing international challenges.Abdul Latif Nazari, Deputy Minister for Technical Affairs, stated:
“In solar year 1403, Afghanistan’s GDP stood at $16 billion, with per capita income at approximately $446.56. Given the economic growth observed in the current year 1404, we expect both GDP and per capita income to rise further.”The ministry highlighted that the main drivers of this progress include:Implementation of development programs
Strong support for the private sector
Expansion of domestic and regional investment
Strengthening of local production
Officials emphasized that these achievements have been realized through reliance on internal capacities, increased regional trade (especially with neighboring countries such as Iran, Pakistan, China, and Central Asian states), control of inflation, and revival of key sectors like agriculture, small-scale industry, and services — even in the face of frozen foreign assets and reduced international aid.
While international organizations such as the World Bank and IMF have estimated Afghanistan’s nominal GDP in recent years at around $17–18 billion (for 2023–2024), with modest annual growth of 2.5–4.3%, the ministry’s figures appear broadly consistent when considering different calculation methods (nominal vs.
real, PPP adjustments) and population estimates (roughly 40–42 million people).The announcement comes at a time when Afghanistan continues to face significant challenges, including high unemployment, limited access to global banking, and the need for large-scale infrastructure investment.
Nevertheless, the Ministry of Economy remains optimistic that continued policies of self-reliance, regional economic integration, and private-sector growth will accelerate positive trends in the coming years.
Former Afghan finance minister warns of economic collapse
Since the Taliban’s return to power, Afghanistan’s economy has plunged into severe decline, with experts warning that the country is heading toward an unprecedented economic and humanitarian crisis.
Analysts said the de facto government has focused more on repression, authoritarian control, militancy, and the alleged patronage of extremist elements rather than pursuing meaningful economic recovery, further weakening the already fragile economy.
In an interview with Afghanistan International, former Afghan finance minister Anwar-ul-Haq Ahadi dismissed Taliban claims of economic progress as baseless, stating that Afghanistan lacks even the most basic framework required to attract investment.
Ahadi said there is no functional legal system in the country, while state institutions are dominated by Taliban-backed individuals, leaving little room for transparency or accountability.
The former finance minister revealed that under the current conditions, investors face serious risks as there is neither adequate security nor a trained workforce available, making any form of investment highly unsafe.
He added that international sanctions and the absence of clear and credible economic policies have further restricted investment opportunities in Afghanistan.
According to a United Nations report, unemployment in Afghanistan has surged to nearly 75 percent due to ongoing terrorism and the collapse of economic activity.
The report also warned that the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan poses a serious threat to regional peace and stability.
The UN has cautioned that Afghanistan, under Taliban control, is likely to face a major economic crisis in 2026 if current trends continue.
Afghanistan launches $100 million food security programme as crisis deepens
Afghanistan will roll out a $100 million food security project, the United Nations said on Thursday, as it contends with a worsening hunger crisis driven by mass deportations of Afghans from neighbouring states, foreign aid cuts and economic crisis.
Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation is deteriorating sharply, with millions pushed into hunger by the loss of remittances, limited job opportunities and a sharp reduction in international assistance.
The two-year programme, backed by the United Nations and Asian Development Bank, will support more than 151,000 families, including Afghan returnees from Iran and Pakistan as well as people affected by recent earthquakes and floods.
The director of the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization, Qu Dongyu, said the project would address immediate food security needs but also aim to close Afghanistan’s food production gap and create space for private sector recovery.
The FAO warned in a report that 17.4 million people are projected to face acute food insecurity in 2026, with 4.7 million affected by acute malnutrition. More than 2.5 million Afghans have been expelled from Iran and Pakistan over the past year, according to the World Food Programme, swelling Afghanistan’s population by roughly a tenth and cutting off remittance income for many families.
Aid agencies say winter conditions, scarce jobs and funding shortfalls have further strained households, with the WFP warning that last year marked the biggest surge in malnutrition ever recorded in Afghanistan and that conditions are likely to worsen in 2026.
OCHA: 14.4 Million Afghans to Need Health Services by 2026
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has announced that by 2026, 14.4 million people in Afghanistan will require health services. Based on this assessment, plans are in place to provide services to only 7.2 million of this population.
In a report released on Thursday, January 29, OCHA stated that 54 percent of those in need are children, while 24 percent are women. Additionally, 10 percent of this group have disabilities, facing greater challenges in accessing health services.
According to the agency, more than $190 million in funding is essential to meet these needs; however, securing this amount amid decreasing aid has raised serious concerns. A shortage of resources could further limit vital service delivery, especially for vulnerable groups.
OCHA emphasized that Afghanistan remains the world’s largest humanitarian crisis this year, with nearly 22 million residents dependent on humanitarian assistance. The ongoing crisis, combined with existing structural constraints under Taliban rule, has increased pressure on the health system and aid organizations.
WHO welcomes Japan’s continued humanitarian support for health services in Afghanistan
The World Health Organization (WHO) welcomes Japan’s new humanitarian assistance of US$ 240 000, reaffirming the steadfast commitment of the Government and People of Japan to sustaining life-saving humanitarian efforts for Afghanistan.
This assistance includes dedicated support to WHO, enabling the Organization to address urgent health needs while strengthening essential health services. WHO’s share of the funding will support the continued delivery of life-saving care for the most vulnerable populations – including women, children and displaced families – with a particular focus on maintaining substance use treatment centres and ensuring the availability of critical emergency medical supplies where they are most needed.
“We are thankful to the People and Government of Japan for standing with the people of Afghanistan at this challenging time. Their support helps keep essential health services running, including care for people with substance use problems and emergency medical services. This partnership allows WHO to respond quickly and deliver care to the communities that are most vulnerable,” said Dr Edwin Ceniza Salvador, WHO Representative to Afghanistan.
The Japanese Ambassador to Afghanistan, His Excellency Mr Kenichi Masamoto, commenting on Japan’s new humanitarian contribution to Afghanistan, said:
“Japan is deeply concerned about the ongoing challenges faced by the people of Afghanistan and is pleased to support WHO in strengthening essential health services. By prioritizing areas like substance use treatment and emergency care, Japan reaffirms its commitment to the health, resilience and future well-being of the Afghan people.”
WHO will continue to collaborate with both national and international partners to strengthen health systems, improve emergency preparedness and ensure that essential services remain accessible to populations in need.
WHO extends its thanks to the People and Government of Japan for their ongoing support to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable communities in Afghanistan.
Australia sends additional $50m in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan amid Taliban’s brutality
Australia is sending more than $50m in additional humanitarian support to Afghanistan, aiming to address the deteriorating situation exacerbated by the Taliban failing to meet basic human needs.
“The people of Afghanistan are enduring one of the world’s worst protracted humanitarian crises,” the federal government said in an announcement on Thursday.
Since the fall of Kabul in 2021, Australia has provided a total of $310 million to the people of Afghanistan.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong says the nations extra support will have a strong focus on women and girls.
“The situation in Afghanistan is dire,” she said.
“Australia’s humanitarian support will help save lives, alleviate suffering, and meet the basic needs of communities affected by the ongoing Afghanistan crisis.”
Ms Wong says the Australian Government remains firmly committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan, with reports of around 22 million people in Afghanistan in urgent need of humanitarian aid.
The announcement emphasised the country will deliver the lifesaving support with established United Nations partners to ensure support is given to those in need, and not the Taliban regime.
Agencies including the World Food Programme and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’ Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund, are among those who will deliver Australia’s package.
OVER 14 MILLION PEOPLE IN AFGHANISTAN TO NEED HEALTH SERVICES IN 2026
The UN predicts 14.4 million people in Afghanistan will require health services in 2026, highlighting the country’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has forecast that 14.4 million people in Afghanistan will need health services in 2026.
According to a report released on Thursday, January 29, OCHA said that only 7.2 million of these individuals are expected to be covered by existing programs.
OCHA noted that 54 percent of those needing services are children, 24 percent are women, and 10 percent are persons with disabilities. The office emphasized that addressing these health needs will require more than $190 million in funding.
OCHA also stressed that Afghanistan remains the world’s largest humanitarian crisis this year, with approximately 22 million people dependent on humanitarian aid.
Years of conflict, economic instability, and natural disasters and incompetent government in the country have left Afghanistan’s health system fragile, making it difficult to reach remote and vulnerable populations.
International organizations and NGOs have been scaling up programs to provide vaccinations, maternal care, and emergency medical services, but significant funding gaps remain.
Heavy rain in Afghanistan collapses a house, killing a mother and her 6 children
A mother and her six children have been killed in eastern Afghanistan after heavy rain caused their home to collapse while they were sleeping at night, authorities said the latest of dozens of casualties caused by extreme weather in the impoverished country in recent days.
Rains that lashed the eastern city of Jalalabad from late Monday until Wednesday morning had damaged the family’s home, which collapsed suddenly overnight, according to Said Tayeb Hammad, police spokesman in Nangarhar province.
The children’s father was injured and transferred to a local hospital, while the bodies of his wife and the vhildren three boys and three girls between the ages of 4 and 15 were pulled from the rubble.
“There was a sudden loud sound. We rushed to the scene to see that our uncle was trapped,” said Rahmatullah, a relative who like many people in Afghanistan goes by only one name.
Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority said heavy snowfall and rain had killed 61 people and injured more than 100 across the country, while hundreds of homes have been completely or partially destroyed.
Rising ISIS-K threat increases security concerns in Kabul
On 19 January 2026, IS–K carried out a suicide bombing on a Chinese restaurant called “Chinese Lanzhou Beef Noodles” in the urban areas of Kabul, Afghanistan around 15:00–15:30 AFT (UTC+4:30) killing at least 7 and injuring at least 13. The dead included one Chinese muslim and six Afghans. There were some additional 13 to 20 casualties, with 5 of them being affiliated as Chinese citizens. Amid the aftermath, Salafi jihadist organization IS claimed responsibility for the attack, while articulating that the target is against Chinese citizens.
Shahrnau has always been considered a relatively stable area in Kabul, with numerous embassies, large shopping malls, and commercial office buildings located within its boundaries. Since the Taliban retook power in 2021, internal conflicts at scale has mostly decreased, despite the Islamic terrorism actions on foreign nationals are seemly unaffected.
Since the fall of Kabul, the PRC authority has maintained close relationships with the Taliban government, with an ever-increasing amount of Chinese investors seeking to place entities within. Prior to this attack, Kabul experienced another deadly attack in 2022 against a hotel popular with Chinese tourists, which was also claimed by the Islamic State.
Afghanistan Falls 5-2 to Iran but Secures Quarterfinal Spot in AFC Futsal Asian Cup
Afghanistan’s national futsal team suffered a 5-2 defeat against powerhouse Iran in their final Group D match of the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Jakarta International Velodrome in Indonesia.
Despite the loss, the Afghan side advanced to the quarterfinals thanks to their impressive earlier performances in the tournament.
Before facing Iran, Afghanistan had convincingly won both of their opening group games without conceding a single goal. They defeated Saudi Arabia 3-0 and then crushed Malaysia 7-0, finishing the group stage with 6 points, a +10 goal difference, and second place in Group D behind the unbeaten Iranians (9 points).
Against Iran — a multiple-time Asian champion and one of the continent’s perennial favorites — Afghanistan showed resilience. They trailed 1-0 at halftime but fought back in the second half, scoring twice through Reza Hosseinpour and Mohammad Javad Safi.
However, Iran’s experience and clinical finishing proved decisive as they added four more goals to secure a comfortable 5-2 victory.
The result means Afghanistan will now face Japan, another traditional Asian giant and former champions, in the quarterfinals on Tuesday. Japan topped their group with strong performances and will present a tough challenge.
Still, Afghanistan enters the knockout stage with confidence after demonstrating solid defensive organization and potent attacking play in their first two matches.This campaign marks a significant milestone for Afghan futsal. Many of the players compete in foreign leagues and have brought valuable experience back to the national team.
Their ability to compete against top Asian sides and reach the quarterfinals highlights the rapid progress of the sport in Afghanistan despite ongoing challenges at home.
The 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup, hosted in Jakarta from January 27 to February 7, serves as a key qualifier and preparation event for bigger continental and global competitions. Afghanistan’s fans are hopeful that the team can continue their dream run and cause an upset against Japan, potentially advancing even further and putting Afghan futsal firmly on the Asian map.
Herat Saffron Named World’s Best for 10th Consecutive Year
For the tenth consecutive year, saffron from Afghanistan’s Herat province has been awarded the title of the world’s highest-quality saffron by the International Taste Institute.
The competition was held in Brussels, Belgium, among the top four saffron-producing countries in the world, Afghanistan, Iran, Spain, and Greece.
Jalil Ahmad Maleki, the head of one of Herat’s saffron companies, said: “The International Taste Institute annually requests samples from countries involved in saffron production. After testing and evaluating the samples, the institute determines the highest quality. Other countries were also in the competition, but fortunately, we secured first place.”
Seyed Masoud, head of another saffron company in Herat, added: “Our request from the de facto government is to support national traders in saffron exports and to facilitate fast, secure, and affordable transport for them.”
Herat saffron has many customers in global markets.
According to local officials, saffron exports from Afghanistan to various countries have increased in recent months.
Abdul Khaleq Khodadadi, head of the Afghanistan Saffron Consortium, said: “Many countries around the world are highly interested in Afghan saffron. This interest is due to its natural purity and high quality. Most countries prefer to buy Afghan saffron.”
Local officials in Herat say that in recent years, saffron harvesting and processing in the province have become more standardized. The increase in both exports and saffron prices has led to greater interest among Herat farmers in cultivating the crop.
Mohammad Ebrahim Adel, head of the Afghanistan Saffron Union, stated: “Saffron is a commercial crop. I can say that this year, over 1,500 hectares of land have been added to saffron cultivation. Traders, farmers, and industry workers have been encouraged to expand its production.”
According to data from the Afghanistan Saffron Union, over 40 metric tons of saffron have been harvested in the country this year.
Union officials also report that 12,000 hectares of land across Afghanistan are under saffron cultivation, employing more than 80,000 people in its planting and harvesting.
EU invests €15 million to support small businesses in Afghanistan
The European Union has committed 15 million euros ($16.3 million) to support access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Afghanistan, the EU delegation said on Thursday.
The funding will be channelled through the Afghan Credit Guarantee Foundation under the second phase of the “MSME Access to Finance for Livelihoods in Afghanistan” programme, known as MALA II, which aims to strengthen economic resilience and promote sustainable livelihoods.
The new phase builds on an earlier programme that concluded in 2025 and will focus on expanding sustainable finance, with particular attention to green and climate financing, returnees, agricultural businesses and women-led enterprises, especially in underserved areas, the EU said.
Under the program, partner financial institutions will be supported to expand lending through risk-sharing mechanisms and credit guarantees, while MSMEs will receive targeted grants and technical assistance to build capacity. The initiative also includes efforts to develop Islamic finance products, automate banking processes and expand digital and branch-based financial services.
“The European Union remains committed to investing in Afghanistan’s economic growth and job creation,” said Eric Beaume, head of cooperation at the EU Delegation to Afghanistan. He said the first phase of the program helped support more than 55,000 jobs and mobilised 68 million euros in financing.
Executives from Afghan financial institutions said the program had played a key role in improving access to credit. Fernand Pillonel, chairman of the supervisory board of OXUS, said the grant scheme had enabled small businesses to secure financing.
Ziauddin Haidari, chief executive of First MicroFinance Bank, said technical assistance funded by the programme had improved operational efficiency and could help banks reach underserved areas by lowering transaction costs through digitisation.
Khisrow Fazli, chief executive of Ghazanfar Bank, said credit guarantees provided through the Afghan Credit Guarantee Foundation were essential for expanding MSME financing.
Afghanistan’s private sector has struggled with limited access to finance, weak infrastructure and economic isolation since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. International donors have increasingly relied on targeted programmes aimed at supporting livelihoods and financial inclusion while avoiding direct engagement with the Taliban authorities.
Afghan Products Featured at 31st Gulfood Exhibition in Dubai
The 31st edition of the “Gulfood” exhibition in Dubai concluded on Friday, Jan 31, 2026.
Recognized as one of the world’s largest events in the food and beverage industry, this year’s exhibition hosted representatives from 195 countries.
More than 10 Afghan exhibitors also participated, showcasing Afghan products including dried fruits.
Zalmay Bahaduri, an Afghan exhibitor, said: “Let’s participate in exhibitions so that our products gain more presence in global markets.”
Mohammad Rabi Zamani, another Afghan exhibitor, added: “We had a major achievement. We call on the de facto government, especially the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, to provide more opportunities for us.”
Meanwhile, Haji Obaidullah Saderkhail, head of the Afghan Business Council in the UAE, emphasized the importance of Afghan traders’ participation in the event. He noted that showcasing Afghan products at such international platforms can help boost exports and strengthen the global presence of Afghan goods.
“For 31 years, the UAE has organized this exhibition, and all companies, including Afghanistan, benefit from it and use it for market expansion,” Saderkhail stated.
Abdul Qasim Amarkhail, head of Afghanistan’s Dried Fruits Exporters Union, also commented: “Afghan traders, by the grace of God, achieved a lot and signed major contracts. We are working to secure more booths for Afghans in future exhibitions.”
Held annually at the end of January in Dubai, UAE, the Gulfood exhibition aims to promote, market, and expand global trade in the food and beverage sector. According to representatives from various countries, approximately 1.5 million tons of food products were showcased this year.
FAO, ADB launch $100m food security initiative in Afghanistan
The Food and Agriculture Organization and the Asian Development Bank are rolling out a $100 million initiative to strengthen food and nutrition security and restore agricultural livelihoods for more than one million vulnerable people in Afghanistan, the FAO said.
The two-year project aims to support about 151,000 households, or roughly 1.06 million people, including returnees from Pakistan and Iran, host communities, and families affected by recent earthquakes and floods.
FAO said the initiative would help rural households rebuild disrupted agricultural production systems, protect livestock and restore livelihoods amid overlapping crises that continue to strain Afghanistan’s rural economy.
Agriculture remains the backbone of rural livelihoods in Afghanistan but suffers from low productivity, limited access to inputs and restricted market opportunities. Repeated natural disasters have destroyed crops, livestock and irrigation systems, while large-scale returns of migrants have increased pressure on already fragile communities.
Although large-scale food assistance helped ease acute hunger during the peak of the food crisis, conditions have deteriorated again, FAO said. In 2026, about 17.4 million people are projected to face acute food insecurity, including 4.7 million classified as being in emergency conditions, marked by severe food consumption gaps and high levels of acute malnutrition.
FAO warned that persistent drought, combined with expected La Niña effects bringing below-average rainfall and above-average temperatures into early 2026, could further worsen food insecurity.
The new initiative will focus on climate-smart and people-centred interventions to boost agricultural production, improve nutrition and diversify rural livelihoods, with priority given to women-headed households and provinces most affected by climate and economic shocks.
The programme builds on an ongoing partnership between FAO and ADB. Since 2022, ADB has provided about $265 million in grants through FAO to support agricultural production and reduce acute food insecurity in Afghanistan.
Through that cooperation, FAO said it has reached an estimated 5.6 million vulnerable people, helping more than 841,000 households restore crop and livestock production and stabilise food supply chains during the humanitarian crisis.
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu said the partnership had delivered measurable results, including higher crop yields and improved livestock ownership.
“For around $200, a wheat cultivation package can feed a family of seven for an entire year,” FAO said, adding that farmers using certified seeds achieved 27% higher yields and generated surplus seed for future planting seasons.
FAO said the initiative aims to move beyond emergency assistance and help Afghan families build resilience to future shocks in one of the world’s most vulnerable food security contexts.
Afghanistan Exports Over 317,000 Tons of Fresh Fruit in 2025
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has announced that Afghanistan exported 317,517 tons of fresh fruit in the year 2025.
The exported fruits included apples, pomegranates, apricots, grapes, melons, watermelons, figs, and various other types of fruit, which were delivered to neighboring countries, regional markets, and other parts of the world.
However, the Afghanistan Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock says that the closure of trade routes, along with transportation and transit challenges during the current year, has had a significant negative impact on the export of fresh fruit.
Waseem Safi, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock, said: “Our exports are currently ongoing, but we face serious challenges in transportation and transfer costs. Previously, we could reach markets in the shortest possible time, but now we are forced to export through Chabahar or Bandar Abbas ports.”
Meanwhile, some economic experts emphasize that given Afghanistan’s agriculture‑based economy, greater attention must be paid to processing agricultural products, in addition to expanding export markets.
Shams‑ur‑Rahman Ahmadzai, an economic analyst, said: “Some commercial products faced difficulties this year. We can develop effective plans for the future. Standard cold storage facilities must be built to properly preserve agricultural products, and alternative export routes should also be identified.”
Another economic expert, Mirshaker Yaqubi, said: “More focus should be placed on alternative trade routes, and ports that have so far been underutilized must be prioritized.”
Although the Ministry of Industry and Commerce did not provide comparative data on the volume and value of fresh‑fruit exports between 2024 and 2025, the closure of trade crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan in 2025 led to the spoilage of a portion of agricultural products and a decline in their selling prices in domestic markets.
Afghanistan to Host 5-Day Intl. Expo on Construction and Reconstruction
The third national and international specialized exhibition and conference on the construction, civil engineering, and reconstruction industry is scheduled to be held for five days, starting on February 3, at the Afghanistan International Exhibition Center.
According to organizers, companies from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, and China have been invited to participate, and dedicated booths have been allocated for them.
Mohammad Saber Latifi, Director General of the Afghanistan International Exhibition Center, said: “This exhibition, which will be held for five days starting on the 14th of Dalwa, includes participants from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, and China. Booths have been designated for their companies.”
Shokrullah Baqai, the event organizer, said: “This exhibition showcases building materials, including our local products, paints, rebar, and pipes. We have achieved self-sufficiency in these items, and as you know, we no longer import them. We are striving for full self-reliance in the near future.”
Meanwhile, several participants emphasized the importance of such exhibitions, viewing them as significant steps in economic growth and national reconstruction.
Mohammad Kamal Afghan, spokesperson for the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, said: “Such exhibitions are valuable for the development and reconstruction of Afghanistan.”
Abdul Nasir Rashtia, head of the Iron Melting Union, said: “You witnessed dozens of foreign companies that came to Afghanistan and participated in this exhibition. You’ve seen the results, many collaborative projects have been carried out.”
In recent years, more exhibitions have been held across the country to showcase domestic production and attract investment.
Dubai Hosts Conference to Boost Afghan Banking Ties
A one-day international conference was held in the United Arab Emirates, supported by the Afghan-American Chamber of Commerce and other partner institutions, to promote mutual cooperation in banking relations.
The event brought together representatives from dozens of international banks, global institutions, Afghan entrepreneurs, and investors. The discussions focused on creating dialogue between Afghan banks and foreign partners, expanding banking cooperation, and facilitating financial and commercial transactions.
Participants also addressed issues such as the status of banking relations, the lack of adequate digital financial services, and limited access to financial resources.
Najibullah Amiri, Executive Director of the Afghanistan Banks Association, said: “Participants welcomed the recent progress in Afghanistan’s banking sector and clearly emphasized that the sector is not under any sanctions. It was also highlighted that Afghan banks conduct hundreds of millions of dollars in regular annual transactions with the global trade market.”
Haji Obaidullah Sader Khail, head of the Afghan Business Council in the UAE, said that 85% of Afghan businesspeople live in the United Arab Emirates, making this conference especially relevant to the banking sector.
Several other Afghan entrepreneurs also called on international investors to take advantage of the investment opportunities in Afghanistan.
Saderkhail added: “This conference is very important. It took over a year to organize. We had planned to hold it earlier, but it was delayed. Fortunately, it was held today. The event carries special significance for our banking sector because 85% of our large business community has been living in Dubai for the past 35 years.”
Ehsanullah Kamawal, head of the Afghan Business Association in Istanbul, said: “There are great investment opportunities in Afghanistan today. We urge everyone to invest, especially during times of crisis when opportunities grow.”
According to the Afghanistan Banks Association, it has called on international banks and the global community to support the stabilization and development of Afghanistan’s banking sector through the strengthening and restoration of mutual banking ties.
Domestic Products Expo Held in Zaranj to Promote Local Nimroz
A three-day exhibition of domestic products was held in Zaranj, the capital of Nimroz province, showcasing products from various Afghan provinces in 60 booths.
Masood Haqmal, the event organizer, said: “The goal of this exhibition is to market local products. Through this event, we want to directly show people that they should say no to foreign goods and support domestic production, which is also high in quality and should be used.”
Participants noted that public interest in Afghan-made goods has increased compared to previous years.
They stressed the need for government support to promote domestic industries and help them compete with imports.
Farshid Ataee, a participant, said: “Such exhibitions are important to make people aware that Afghan-made products are high quality.”
Noor Ahmad Zarifi, another exhibitor, said: “These types of expos should be held in every province so people learn about local products.”
Asadullah Amini, another participant, said: “We are working to produce high-quality goods and need government backing.”
The event was organized in coordination with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, with the aim of promoting and marketing domestic production.
A variety of sectors were represented at the expo, including industry, construction, agriculture, mining, handicrafts, and pharmaceuticals.
Abdul Ahad Sharifi, a producer, said: “The country is moving toward self-sufficiency. We are cutting reliance on foreign markets and depending on local production.”
Another producer, Abdul Hamid, stated: “Domestic products are better than foreign goods and must be supported.”
Previously, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce held a similar exhibition in Farah province. The ministry said that such expos aim to boost the economy, create opportunities for producers, increase exports, generate jobs, and encourage people to buy local products.
Afghan, Pakistani Traders Seek Passage for 10,000 Stuck Containers
The Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce has called on Kabul and Islamabad to allow the 10,000 containers that have been stuck at ports for around 100 days due to road closures to pass through just once.
Members of the chamber say re-exporting these containers would cause heavy financial losses, estimated at $75 million.
Economic analyst Abdul Nasir Rishtia said: “If these containers are sent back, it will cause major losses for traders. The de facto government should work with Pakistan to create a mechanism to restore trade to normal, or at least allow these stuck containers to pass.”
Figures show that the trade disruption over the past 105 days has caused Afghan exporters losses of $233 million, and Afghan importers nearly $126 million.
The head of the chamber stressed that efforts by the private sector in both countries to release the goods are continuing, but governments must now take action and resolve the issue.
The Afghanistan-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce head, Khan Jan Alokozai, said: “Efforts are ongoing to return to talks, but our discussions will not help unless the governments are determined to solve the problem.”
Economic analyst Qutbuddin Yaqubi said: “Both sides should not use trade for political gain, and politics and trade must be separated.”
Pakistani media reported that road closures have also affected Afghanistan’s exports to India through Pakistan and the Wagah border, which were worth $200 million annually, causing Afghan exporters losses of $58 million.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has also suffered losses due to trade disruptions, with exports worth $437 million to Afghanistan and $262 million to Central Asia affected.
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