Archive

Wednesday, 29 July 2026
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen economic relations and expand trade cooperation, Mr. Faiz Ahmad Khawafi, Deputy Chairman for Provincial Affairs of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), accompanied by Mr. Kamal Nabizada, a Member of the ACCI Board of Directors, travelled to Balkh Province on Monday, 27 July, together with a trade delegation from Uzbekistan's Fergana Region, led by the Governor of the region, Mr. Khayrullo Bozorov.
The visit reflected the shared commitment of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan to expanding trade and transit relations while creating new investment opportunities across the region. Upon their arrival at Mawlana Jalaluddin Balkhi International Airport, the delegation received a warm welcome from Mr. Mohammad Ibrahim Ghazanfar, Chairman of the Balkh Chamber of Commerce and Investment, and the Deputy Governor of Balkh Province. The delegation then visited the Fergana Products Exhibition in Mazar-e-Sharif. The exhibition provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the region's economic potential and production capabilities while fostering closer cooperation between the business communities of both countries.
The delegation later participated in an important meeting at the Office of the Governor of Balkh, attended by the Governor of Balkh Province, Mr. Khayrullo Bozorov, Governor of Fergana Region, Mr. Faiz Ahmad Khawafi, Mr. Kamal Nabi Zada, Mr. Mohammad Ibrahim Ghazanfar, Chairman of the Fergana Chamber of Commerce, and five Deputy District Governors from Fergana Region. Discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade, facilitating visa issuance for traders, promoting joint investments, and enhancing transit cooperation. The active participation of the Governors of Balkh and Fergana, members of the Chambers' Boards of Directors, local officials, traders, and investors reflected the strong determination of both sides to deepen regional economic cooperation.
In his remarks, Mr. Khawafi described the visit of the Fergana trade delegation, together with previous exchanges between regional business representatives, as a clear demonstration of the shared commitment of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan to promoting trade and investment. He expressed confidence that the visit would pave the way for increased bilateral trade, new investment opportunities, and stronger economic cooperation between other provinces of Afghanistan and neighboring regions of Uzbekistan.
During a joint press conference held at the Continental Hall in Balkh, the ACCI Deputy Chairman for Provincial Affairs, the Governor of Balkh, and the Fergana trade delegation highlighted the significance and achievements of the visit. On the sidelines of the event, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Balkh Chamber of Commerce and Investment and the Fergana Chamber of Commerce. In addition, 13 commercial agreements, valued at more than US$35million, were concluded between traders and business representatives from both sides across various sectors.
These achievements reflect the strong commitment of both parties to expanding regional cooperation, increasing trade and transit, and strengthening economic ties. It is expected that the continuation of this cooperation will further promote investment opportunities, improve regional transit infrastructure, expand economic activities, and advance the shared interests of both countries.

Monday, 27 July 2026
Mr. Mohammad Qasim Amarkhil, Chairman of the Dried Fruit Exporters Association, met with the Chairman and Deputy Chairmen of the Board of Directors of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) at the Chamber's headquarters.
During the meeting, both sides discussed the challenges facing dried fruit exporters, as well as proposals and practical solutions to address existing export-related obstacles.
The ACCI leadership reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Dried Fruit Exporters Association by facilitating the resolution of its challenges, improving visa issuance procedures, and promoting export development. The Chamber also pledged to coordinate with the relevant government authorities and undertake the necessary practical measures to help resolve the issues raised by the association.

Tuesday, 28 July 2026
A consultative meeting was held at the main office of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) with the participation of Mr. Arian Zalgai Azimi, Deputy Chairman for Investment Affairs of ACCI; Mr. Abdul Nafi Barakzai, Deputy Chairman for Domestic Production and Product Support; Mr. Mujib Rahman Shirzad, Deputy Chairman for Strategic Relations; Esmatullah Ansar, Deputy Head of Kabul Municipality's Market Regulation Directorate and Acting Head of the Commission for the Prevention of Hoarding and Control of Primary Commodity Prices; members of the Commission; and representatives of the Kabul Fuel Tank Operators' Association.
At the outset of the meeting, Mr. Azimi spoke in detail about the concerns and challenges previously raised by petroleum suppliers, particularly fuel tank operators, with the ACCI leadership. He urged the representatives of the fuel tank operators to take into account the current market conditions and global fuel price trends while also considering the interests of consumers by supplying petroleum products at fair and reasonable prices.
Subsequently, Mr. Allah Mohammad Ahmadzai, Chairman of the Kabul Fuel Tank Operators' Association, presented the concerns of fuel tank operators on behalf of the sector and stressed that the existing challenges should be thoroughly assessed before fuel prices are determined.
Representatives of petroleum suppliers and members of the Kabul Fuel Tank Operators' Association also took turns presenting their concerns and raising their questions during the meeting.
After listening to the views and concerns expressed by the participants, Mr. Esmatullah Ansar assured them that their issues would be addressed by the Commission and the relevant government authorities. He also requested that fuel suppliers implement the official price list issued by the Commission.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Mujib Rahman Shirzad summarized the key challenges facing petroleum suppliers, particularly fuel tank operators. He stated that ACCI would review the issues in accordance with the existing procedures and newly proposed mechanisms and, in coordination with the relevant government authorities, would take the necessary steps to facilitate appropriate solutions.
At the conclusion of the meeting, it was agreed that the Kabul Fuel Tank Operators' Association would submit its concerns to ACCI in writing. Following a comprehensive assessment, the Chamber will present specific recommendations to the relevant government authorities to facilitate the resolution of the identified challenges.

Monday, 27 July 2026
The leadership of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), including Mr. Arian Zalgai Azimi, Deputy Chairman for Investment, Mr. Abdul Nafi Barakzai, Deputy Chairman for Support of Domestic Production and Products, and Mr. Mujib Rahman Shirzad, Deputy Chairman for Strategic Relations, held a meeting with Mr. Allah Mohammad Ahmadzai, Chairman of the Kabul Fuel Station Association, together with members of the association and fuel station owners from several provinces, to discuss the challenges facing their sector.
At the outset of the meeting, Mr. Azimi welcomed the representatives of the Kabul Fuel Station Association and described ACCI as the common home of all traders and investors. He also referred to the meetings held by the Chamber's leadership during the previous week with the relevant government authorities regarding the issues facing fuel station owners.
Mr. Allah Mohammad Ahmadzai outlined the key challenges confronting fuel station operators in Kabul, particularly the high rental costs of fuel stations, more than 80 percent of which are located on government-owned land. He also raised concerns over fuel price adjustments made by the Commission for the Prevention of Hoarding and Control of Essential Commodity Prices, stating that these decisions are often made without taking actual market conditions into account.
He explained that when global fuel prices decline, the Commission immediately lowers domestic prices. However, when international fuel prices increase, the Commission often waits several days to a week before holding a meeting to revise prices, resulting in financial losses for fuel station owners.
Mr. Mohammad Yousuf, Deputy Chairman of the Fuel Station Association, Mr. Mohammad Amin, and other members of the association endorsed Mr. Ahmadzai's remarks and requested that the prices determined by the Commission remain valid for at least one week to provide greater market stability.
Members of the Kabul Fuel Station Association also requested the Chamber's leadership to coordinate with the Commission and other relevant government institutions in order to help resolve their challenges.
After listening to the concerns raised, Mr. Azimi assured the participants that ACCI would formally present their issues to the relevant authorities and make every effort to facilitate an appropriate solution.

Monday, 27 July 2026
The Afghan–Uzbek Business Forum, a landmark event in the advancement of regional economic cooperation, was held at the InterContinental Hotel in Kabul with the participation of senior government officials, traders, and investors from both countries. The forum concluded successfully with the signing of 22 trade agreements (MOUs) across various sectors.
The event was attended by Mr. Jamshid Khodjayev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Mr. Nooruddin Azizi, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Afghanistan; and Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI). Also in attendance were the Ministers of Transport and Mining of Uzbekistan, the Governor of Fergana Region, more than 300 Uzbek traders and investors, members of the leadership of the Chambers of Commerce of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, and more than 300 Afghan traders and investors.
In his address, Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of ACCI, welcomed the distinguished guests and participants and emphasized the significance of organizing such a major event, describing it as a milestone in the history of economic relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. He stated:
"This forum is not merely a business gathering; it is a symbol of our shared determination to expand economic cooperation and build a more prosperous future for the peoples of both countries. It reflects our mutual trust and our strong commitment to strengthening strategic relations."
Mr. Hashemi expressed his sincere appreciation for the unwavering support of the leadership of both countries in promoting economic and trade relations and highlighted the important role of these partnerships in achieving sustainable regional development.
Mr. Nooruddin Azizi, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Afghanistan, underlined the importance of the forum in promoting trade and economic growth and expressed hope that annual bilateral trade between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan would reach the long-term target of USD 5 billion. He also stressed the importance of facilitating transit procedures and developing logistics infrastructure along regional trade corridors.
Mr. Jamshid Khodjayev, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, described the forum as an effective platform for strengthening the brotherly and commercial relations between the two countries. He encouraged Uzbek traders and investors to take advantage of the investment opportunities available in Afghanistan. He also announced the Uzbek Government's plans to establish logistics centers, reduce preferential tariffs, and invest in the energy, agriculture, and other sectors. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of investing in Afghanistan's cotton sector and purchasing 100,000 tons of Afghan cotton annually.
Mr. Khairullo Bozorov, Governor of Fergana Region, introduced the investment opportunities and economic potential of Fergana Province and called for expanding bilateral cooperation in trade and investment between the two countries.
In addition to the above-mentioned speakers, the forum was attended on the Afghan side by the Deputy Chairmen, members of the Board of Directors, and members of the Executive Committee of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment. The Uzbek delegation included the Ministers of Transport and Mining, the Deputy Governor of Tashkent Province, the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Afghanistan, the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, as well as other senior government officials and members of the accompanying delegation.