Taliban Minister Claims Trade Ties with 80 Countries Amid Economic Crisis

As Afghanistan grapples with widespread unemployment, a worsening economic crisis, and uncertain trade prospects, Taliban Industry and Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi has claimed that the country maintains economic and trade relations with 80 nations.

Azizi made the assertion during the opening ceremony of the National and International Imam Abu Hanifa Exhibition in Kabul, saying that the ongoing economic activity in the country, in his words, “will never be halted.”

This comes despite findings from international institutions indicating that poverty and economic hardship in Afghanistan have reached some of their worst levels in recent years since the Taliban seized power. The private sector continues to complain about inadequate infrastructure, limited export capacity, and a lack of government support.

Azizi also highlighted an agreement with Iran, suggesting it would facilitate turning Chabahar port into an effective transit corridor. He stressed there was a shared determination between the Taliban administration and the Islamic Republic of Iran to develop transit routes, particularly through Chabahar and Milak, which he said could become international land and rail corridors.

He further mentioned ongoing efforts to review restrictions on air corridors, stating that the Taliban has held meetings aimed at securing access to new aircraft at affordable leasing rates for Afghan traders — or even acquiring them outright.

Azizi claimed these initiatives are intended to ease the export of Afghan goods abroad. However, in a context marked by political instability, lack of official engagement with the international community, and poor governance transparency, such promises appear increasingly disconnected from the everyday realities faced by Afghan citizens.

While the Taliban government speaks of air corridors, rail lines, and expanding trade with dozens of countries, many Afghan businesses continue to battle serious challenges, including restrictions on financial transfers, the absence of legal guarantees, and banking obstacles. So far, the Taliban has offered no concrete solutions to these ongoing problems.