Archive

Tuesday, September 8th, 2026

A number of traders and exporters from Kandahar Province, led by the Deputy Head of the Board of Directors of the Kandahar Chamber of Commerce and Investment, met with Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), to discuss the challenges and difficulties affecting the export process.

During the meeting, the exporters highlighted their major concerns, including restrictions and high costs associated with air cargo services, challenges related to land transit, difficulties in the issuance and acceptance of certificates of origin, the centralization of certain administrative procedures, lengthy tax assessment and business license renewal processes, challenges in obtaining Indian business visas, and the lack of an appropriate mechanism for export insurance and compensation for export-related losses.

After listening to the exporters’ concerns, the Chariman of ACCI issued the necessary instructions to the relevant departments regarding matters falling within the Chamber’s authority.

Considering that many of the issues raised are related to several government institutions and ministries, ACCI proposed holding a joint meeting with the participation of officials from the relevant institutions and representatives of Kandahar’s exporters. The meeting would provide an opportunity to directly review the challenges and develop practical solutions to address them.

The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment considers supporting exports, facilitating trade processes, and addressing the concerns of exporters among its key priorities.

A cordial and constructive meeting was held between the leadership delegation of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) and the leadership of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, focusing on expanding trade relations, strengthening economic cooperation, and creating new investment opportunities between Afghanistan and Turkey.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, who led the Afghan delegation. He was accompanied by Mr. Faiz Ahmad Khawafi, Deputy for Provincial Affairs of ACCI.

Highlighting the broad economic and trade potential of both countries, Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi emphasized the need to expand practical cooperation, strengthen institutional relations between the two chambers, and establish direct and sustainable connections among Afghan and Turkish traders, investors, and companies.

He noted that Turkey is one of Afghanistan’s important economic and trading partners and that the existing potential for expanding trade and investment between the two countries goes far beyond the current level of bilateral exchanges. Mr. Hashemi also emphasized the importance of exchanging business delegations, developing joint investments, and introducing Afghanistan’s economic opportunities to Turkish investors.

The two sides also discussed the participation of traders, companies, and producers from both countries in trade fairs and economic events. They emphasized that increased movement of traders and mutual participation in exhibitions could contribute to a better understanding of each other’s markets and help expand bilateral trade.

In this regard, the leadership of ACCI invited the leadership of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce to participate in the Imam Abu Hanifa (RH) International Exhibition in Afghanistan. The leadership of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce welcomed and accepted the invitation.

The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce leadership also proposed the development and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two chambers. The proposal was positively received and discussed by both sides. They emphasized the importance of establishing a structured and sustainable framework for expanding trade and economic cooperation.

The leadership of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce expressed its readiness to further expand economic and trade cooperation with Afghanistan, strengthen direct relations among economic stakeholders, and increase interaction between the private sectors of the two countries.

In the final part of the meeting, Mr. Faiz Ahmad Khawafi emphasized the importance of increasing direct communication between Afghan and Turkish traders and investors and creating opportunities for joint cooperation and investment between the private sectors of the two countries. He described increased business travel and the exchange of trade delegations as important factors in strengthening economic relations.

The meeting was held in a friendly atmosphere and received a warm welcome from the leadership of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce. Both sides emphasized the continuation of contacts, follow-up on the proposed MoU, increased movement of traders, mutual participation in exhibitions, and the expansion of economic and investment cooperation between Afghanistan and Turkey.

Sunday, September 9th, 2026

The 13th Extraordinary Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) was held under the chairmanship of Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of ACCI.

The meeting was attended by members of the Executive Committee and Deputy Chairpersons of ACCI, including Mr. Gulbahar Habibi, Mr. Arian Zalgai Azimi, Mr. Mirajan Sulaimankhel, who joined online, Mr. Enayatullah Sediqzai, Mr. Abdul Nafi Barakzai, Mr. Mujib-ul-Rahman Shirzad, and Mr. Zabihullah Omarkhel, Head of the ACCI Secretariat.

The meeting focused on key operational, administrative, and executive matters of the Chamber, the progress of ongoing programs and activities, and issues related to the provision of services to the private sector. Participants discussed these matters and exchanged views on ways to further improve the Chamber’s work.

The meeting also reviewed the work and progress report related to the 5th Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) International Exhibition. Necessary instructions were issued to ensure the effective and timely advancement of the related activities. At the conclusion of the meeting, members of the Executive Committee presented their views and recommendations, and the necessary decisions and instructions were adopted regarding the matters discussed.

Sunday, August 30, 2026

The official delegation of Qashqadaryo Province of the Republic of Uzbekistan, comprising government officials and businesspeople from the province, which arrived in Afghanistan on Saturday, met with the leadership of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) and a number of Afghan traders and investors at a business networking conference between the private sectors of Afghanistan and Qashqadaryo.

The delegation included Mr. Shahrat Muradov, Deputy Governor of Qashqadaryo Province, along with a number of officials and representatives of the province in the fields of trade, investment, and international relations.

The conference, held at Kabul Grand Hotel, consisted of two main parts: an official meeting between the leadership of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment and the Qashqadaryo delegation, followed by a Business-to-Business (B2B) networking session.

Meeting Between the Qashqadaryo Delegation and the Leadership of ACCI
During the first part of the program, the Uzbek delegation met with the leadership of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment and discussed the expansion of trade relations, joint investment, facilitation of business travel, and the creation of new areas of cooperation between the private sectors of the two sides.

Representing the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment were Mr. Arian Zalgai Azimi, Deputy for Investment; Mr. Abdul Nafi Barakzai, Deputy for Support of Domestic Production and Products; Mr. Mujib-ul-Rahman Shirzad, Deputy for Strategic Relations; Mr. Gulbahar Habibi, Deputy for Commerce; Mr. Obaidullah Hotak, Member of the Board of Directors; Mr. Zainullah Hassany, Deputy and Acting Head of the Executive Board; and Mr. Ahmad Shakil Hazim, Deputy for Technical Policy of the Executive Board.

Mr. Arian Zalgai Azimi, Deputy for Investment at the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, welcomed the Qashqadaryo delegation and emphasized the importance of expanding economic and trade relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.

He described Afghanistan’s geographical and economic position as an important opportunity for developing regional transit and trade networks, noting that Afghanistan can serve as a key route connecting Central Asia with South Asia and facilitate Uzbekistan’s access to regional and international markets.

The Deputy for Investment also emphasized the need to provide greater facilities for traders and investors from both countries and called on the Uzbek delegation to pay greater attention to facilitating the visa issuance process for Afghan traders and investors. He noted that facilitating business travel could increase direct contacts between the private sectors of the two countries and contribute to the expansion of economic cooperation.

Mr. Gulbahar Habibi, Deputy for Trade at the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, proposed holding a dedicated exhibition of Uzbek products and goods in Kabul and inviting Uzbek companies to participate in the Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) International Exhibition. He described such an exhibition as an excellent opportunity to introduce Uzbek products to Afghan traders, investors, and consumers and to contribute to the expansion of trade relations between the two countries.
Qashqadaryo Delegation Emphasizes Economic Cooperation

During the meeting, Mr. Shahrat Muradov, Deputy Governor of Qashqadaryo Province and head of the Uzbek delegation, expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and friendly treatment extended by Afghan officials and the private sector to the delegation.

He described the longstanding historical and friendly relations between the peoples of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, as well as the long history of trade interactions between the two countries, as important foundations for expanding economic cooperation. He stated that strengthening economic relations and business networking between the two countries could further consolidate friendly relations and create new opportunities for the private sectors of both sides.

Mr. Muradov highlighted Qashqadaryo’s economic potential, describing the province as one of Uzbekistan’s important economic centers. He noted that a significant portion of Uzbekistan’s oil and gas resources is located in Qashqadaryo. He also highlighted the province’s agricultural potential and referred to its significant wheat and cotton production during the past year.

The Deputy Governor of Qashqadaryo invited the leadership of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment to visit the province, explore its trade and investment opportunities and capacities, and examine ways to establish and facilitate joint cooperation and investment between the private sectors of the two sides.

Uzbek Ambassador Emphasizes Visa Facilitation
Mr. Aybek Usmanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Afghanistan, addressed the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment’s request for facilitating visa issuance for Afghan traders and investors. He stated that he had raised the matter with senior officials of his country and would work toward addressing the issue and finding an appropriate solution.

B2B Meeting Between Traders and Investors of the Two Countries
The second part of the program consisted of a Business-to-Business (B2B) networking session attended by Mr. Ahmadullah Zahid, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, as well as traders and investors from Afghanistan and Qashqadaryo.
Mr. Arian Zalgai Azimi, Deputy for Investment at the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, described direct B2B meetings between traders and investors of the two countries as an important opportunity to identify potential areas of cooperation, establish business relationships, explore investment opportunities, and develop joint partnerships.

Referring to Afghanistan’s economic capacities and resources, he identified agriculture, mining, industry, energy, transportation, and construction as important areas for investment. He emphasized that economic relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan should not remain limited to the buying and selling of goods and ordinary trade transactions.
The Deputy for Investment stressed that, by utilizing the economic potential and favorable geographical position of both countries, opportunities should be created for implementing major joint and infrastructure projects, while economic cooperation should be elevated from limited bilateral transactions to broader regional and international partnerships.

Ministry of Industry and Commerce Emphasizes Increasing Trade Volume
Mr. Ahmadullah Zahid, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, described trade and investment opportunities between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan as an important area of economic cooperation between the two countries.
He considered direct visits and meetings between traders and investors from both countries important for gaining a better understanding of economic capacities, developing cooperation, and expanding trade relations. He also emphasized increasing interaction between the private sectors of the two sides.

Mr. Zahid identified increased exports, effective utilization of economic capacities, and the expansion of trade relations as key factors in increasing bilateral trade. He stated that the goal of increasing trade between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan to $5 billion requires stronger economic relations, trade facilitation, and increased direct contact between traders and investors of the two countries.

He also assured the participants of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s cooperation in creating the necessary conditions for expanding trade and economic relations with Uzbekistan. He called on the Uzbek Ambassador to take the necessary measures to develop and revive historical trade and transit routes, including routes associated with the Silk Road, and transform them into effective regional and international transit corridors.

19 Agreements Worth $267 Million Signed
At the conclusion of the B2B networking program, traders and investors from Afghanistan and Qashqadaryo, following negotiations and discussions on areas of cooperation, signed 19 joint trade and investment agreements worth a total of AFN 17.7 billion, equivalent to approximately $267 million.

The agreements were signed with the aim of expanding trade cooperation, promoting joint investment, and creating new opportunities for interaction between the private sectors of Afghanistan and Qashqadaryo. Their implementation is expected to contribute to increased economic engagement, market development, and expanded cooperation between the private sectors of the two sides.

The holding of this conference and the signing of the trade and investment agreements represent another important step toward strengthening economic relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan and expanding regional cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries.

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

A business networking meeting between Afghanistan’s private sector and the Republic of Dagestan of the Russian Federation was held at the initiative of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI). During the meeting, traders and investors from both sides discussed opportunities to expand trade and investment cooperation. At the conclusion, four trade agreements worth a total of $14.5 million were signed.

The meeting was attended by 45 Afghan companies and 15 Dagestani companies operating in various economic and commercial sectors, along with a number of traders and representatives of the private sector.

The event was attended by Mr. Habibullah Omar, Deputy for Social and Cultural Affairs of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment; Mujib-ul-Rahman Shirzad, Deputy for Strategic Relations; Mr. Enayatullah Sediqzai, Deputy for Services; Mr. Yahya Pashtun and Mr. Shukrullah Alami, Members of the Board of Directors; Zainullah Hassany, Acting CEO of the Executive Board; as well as a large number of Afghan traders and investors.

At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Habibullah Omar, Deputy for Social and Cultural Affairs of ACCI, said in his speech that trade relations between the private sectors of Afghanistan and Dagestan are expanding, and that holding such meetings provides an important opportunity to develop trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two sides.

Referring to Afghanistan’s extensive economic potential, particularly in agriculture, mining, production development, food processing, energy generation, transportation, construction, and services, he stated that connecting Afghanistan’s economic capacities with similar capacities in Dagestan could create opportunities to increase bilateral trade, promote joint investments, and implement joint production projects.

The ACCI Deputy added that Afghanistan’s private sector is interested in elevating trade relations with Dagestan from limited exchanges and occasional transactions to broader, sustainable, and diversified economic cooperation. He emphasized the importance of reciprocal visits by business delegations, holding joint exhibitions and economic meetings, exchanging market information, facilitating transit and transportation, and introducing joint investment opportunities.

Mr. Omar invited Dagestani traders and investors to closely explore the investment opportunities available in Afghanistan. He also noted that Afghan traders and investors are interested in the commercial and investment opportunities available in the Dagestani market.

He assured the participants that ACCI is ready to provide the necessary support to strengthen trade relations between the private sectors of both sides, expand mutual cooperation, and facilitate the implementation of joint economic and production projects.

Meanwhile, Mr. Arslan Ali Gamzadov, Deputy of the Dagestan Chamber of Commerce, praised the efforts of ACCI in providing the necessary facilities for traders and investors. He stated that the increasing economic interaction between Afghanistan and Russia has created new opportunities for trade and investment cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries.

Mr. Gamzadov identified logistics as one of the key issues in developing trade between Afghanistan and Russia and emphasized the need to address existing logistical challenges and strengthen transportation and commercial facilities to further expand economic relations.

At the conclusion of the meeting, following B2B negotiations and discussions between Afghan and Dagestani traders and investors, four trade agreements worth a total of $14.5 million were signed.

The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment expressed hope that the implementation of these agreements will contribute to increasing trade between Afghanistan and Dagestan, strengthening relations between the private sectors of both sides, and creating new opportunities for joint investment.