Kabul Hosts 5th National and International Industry and Mining Exhibition with 365 Domestic Stalls

The fifth National and International Industry and Mining Week exhibition opened on Wednesday in Kabul, attended by Taliban administration officials, private sector representatives, and several foreign diplomats. The organizers stated that approximately 365 domestic products are displayed at the event, which will continue for seven days.

The Afghanistan Chamber of Industries and Mines announced that the purpose of the exhibition is to strengthen domestic production and provide marketing opportunities for Afghan products. The chamber officials emphasized their efforts to facilitate direct connections between producers and investors.

Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, Administrative Deputy of the Taliban Prime Minister’s Office, said during the opening ceremony that the administration supports both domestic and foreign investors and aims to turn Afghanistan into an exporting country. He added that facilities have been provided for industrialists and traders, and that Afghanistan has significant potential for progress in the industry and mining sectors.

Hanafi also claimed that Afghanistan has achieved self-sufficiency in various sectors; a claim made despite the private sector repeatedly highlighting a lack of infrastructure, banking restrictions, and challenges in accessing global markets in recent years.

Ahmad Nabi Zadah, General Director of the Afghanistan Chamber of Industries and Mines, stated that the country is not only a source of raw materials but also has the capacity to become a large industrial and economic market. He urged investors to invest in mineral processing to create added value domestically.

Ali Reza Beikdeli, Iran’s ambassador to Kabul, expressed at the event that his country welcomes positive steps toward Afghanistan’s progress and welfare. He added that relations between Iran and Afghanistan are on a constructive path and can help strengthen cooperation between the two nations and the region.

Additionally, Sheikh Noor al-Haq Anwar, General Director of the Affairs Administration, described the Taliban administration’s policies as constructive, stating these policies benefit the people of Afghanistan and other countries. However, some economic activists believe that achieving such goals requires lasting stability, broad international engagement, and removing existing barriers to trade and investment.