Tajik Investors Eye Cement Production in Afghanistan Amid Warming Ties

The Taliban-led Ministry of Mines and Petroleum has announced that a delegation of Tajikistani businessmen, during a visit to Kabul, expressed their interest in investing in Afghanistan’s cement production sector. According to the ministry, the delegation met with Mullah Hidayatullah Badri, the acting Minister of Mines and Petroleum, on Thursday, December 10 (Qaws 20).

This marks the first visit by a Tajikistani trade delegation to Kabul since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Tajikistani officials are exploring ways to expand economic ties with the Taliban despite Dushanbe not officially recognizing the group as Afghanistan’s legitimate government.

Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon has previously stated that his government will not recognize the Taliban, which holds power exclusively, until an inclusive government is formed in Afghanistan. Nevertheless, following Russia’s move to formalize its relations with the Taliban, Tajikistan also appears to be moving toward practical engagement with the group.

In a separate development, two weeks prior to the visit, Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin held a phone call with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s acting Foreign Minister, urging serious action against border threats and enhanced cooperation to prevent armed attacks. The conversation came after five Chinese nationals were killed near the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border.

Regional analysts believe that while economic engagement may improve conditions for Afghans, persistent issues such as lack of transparency, weak rule of law, and political monopolization under the Taliban remain key obstacles to sustainable investment.