Kazakhstan Launches Three-Day Joint Exhibition in Kabul to Boost Investment and Trade
The Joint Afghanistan-Kazakhstan Business and Economic Forum was inaugurated in Kabul with the presence of Taliban administration officials and a high-level Kazakh delegation. Both sides described the meeting as a step toward expanding trade and investment between the two countries.
At the event, Nooruddin Azizi, the Taliban administration’s Minister of Industry and Trade, and Serik Zhumanqarin, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, along with representatives of economic institutions and private sector actors from Kazakhstan, were in attendance. Azizi stated that trade volume between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan has increased by approximately 100% from 2022 to 2025, with a growth of nearly 41% compared to the previous year.
The Taliban minister referred to the roadmap for bilateral cooperation and called the target of reaching a trade volume of three billion dollars “realistic.” He emphasized the development of banking cooperation, improvement of transit and transportation, and creation of more opportunities for joint investment.
Azizi also highlighted Afghanistan’s wide-ranging capacities in agriculture, processing industries, mining, transit, logistics, and energy, urging foreign investors to invest in these sectors. This comes amid ongoing concerns over banking restrictions, lack of economic transparency, and legal challenges under the Taliban administration that continue to worry investors.
On the other hand, Serik Zhumanqarin described Afghanistan’s stability as important for the region and said such meetings could pave the way for strengthening relations and developing bilateral trade. He added that Afghanistan has the capacity to become a vital link between Central and South Asia, and Kazakhstan is interested in investing in various economic sectors of the country.
During the inauguration, representatives from Kazakhstan’s Chamber of Industry and Mines and the private sector also shared their views on expanding industrial cooperation. The exhibition, featuring products from both countries across about 50 booths, is scheduled to continue for three days in Kabul.
