Taliban Delegation Returns from China Exhibition to Boost Economic Ties
A high-ranking Taliban delegation led by Mullah Shahabuddin Thaqib returned to Afghanistan yesterday afternoon after an official visit to the People’s Republic of China and participation in the “China-Eurasia 2026” exhibition. This trip, conducted at China’s official invitation, aimed to expand commercial and economic relations, attract foreign investment, and showcase Afghanistan’s investment potential.
During their presence at the “China-Eurasia 2026” exhibition, the delegation also took part in a financial meeting hosted by Chinese officials. The Taliban administration stated that the focus of the trip was on strengthening economic cooperation between Afghanistan and regional countries.
The delegation further traveled to the Chinese city of Yiwu, where they met with a number of Afghan merchants residing in that city. In this meeting, the merchants raised their challenges and proposals, and the Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Taliban administration promised to pursue these issues through official channels and to enhance support for their trade activities.
Mohammadullah Bakhtiar, head of the Taliban leadership office, described the presence of Afghan traders in China as significant for the country’s economy. He claimed that Afghanistan holds a special geoeconomic position, citing its location at the crossroads of Central, South, East Asia, and the Middle East, as well as its natural resources and young workforce.
However, while the Taliban administration emphasizes the provision of security and economic conditions for investment, the lack of international recognition and ongoing political and financial restrictions remain major challenges to attracting foreign investment to Afghanistan. Many foreign investors continue to act cautiously until the country’s legal and banking situation becomes clearer.
The Taliban administration announced that the views, proposals, and problems of Afghan traders in China, along with the opportunities presented for expanding economic relations, will soon be shared with senior officials of the administration for further decision-making.
