Archive

Thursday, October 15, 2026

The Chairman and members of the Transport and Transit Committee of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment in the presence of the Chamber’s Deputy for Policy and Technical Affairs, met with Turdakan Sydykov, Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Afghanistan, based in Kabul. The meeting focused on expanding transit cooperation, establishing a direct trade route between the two countries, and reviving the five-country railway corridor project.

Mr. Ahmad Shakil Hazem, ACCI’s Deputy for Policy and Technical Affairs, expressed appreciation for Kyrgyzstan’s interest in strengthening trade and investment relations with Afghanistan. He emphasized the Chamber’s role in connecting traders and investors from both countries. He described the five-country railway corridor, connecting China, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, as an important project for strengthening regional connectivity, promoting trade, and expanding economic cooperation.

Mr. Gul Mir Amini, ACCI Board Member and Chairman of the Transport and Transit Committee, also thanked the Kyrgyz ambassador for his attention to establishing a direct transit route between the two countries. He expressed the readiness of Afghanistan’s transport and freight forwarding associations to participate in this initiative. He noted that developing road and railway infrastructure would provide an important opportunity to facilitate the movement of goods and strengthen Afghanistan’s transit links with regional countries.

During the meeting, Ambassador Mr. Turdakan Sydykov thanked ACCI for its cooperation and coordination and outlined his country’s plans to establish a direct trade route with Afghanistan and revive the five-country railway corridor. He described the implementation of these projects as important for the countries involved and emphasized the need for regional cooperation in developing transport infrastructure and expanding trade.

The Kyrgyz ambassador also expressed his country’s interest in commencing work on these projects as soon as possible. He highlighted road development and stronger bilateral and regional cooperation as important factors in expanding trade activities and joint investment.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides emphasized continued cooperation, the establishment of direct trade and transit routes, and the development of transport infrastructure to strengthen economic relations and facilitate trade between Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment accompanied by Mr. Enayatullah Siddiqzi and Mujib-ul-Rahman Shirzad, Deputies of the Board of directories held an online meeting with Ms. Christabel Musonda and Mr. Lotfullah Latif, officials responsible for UNICEF’s vocational education programs in Afghanistan. The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in economic empowerment and creating employment opportunities for women, adolescents, and young people, particularly returnees.

During the meeting, ACCI’s leadership presented UNICEF officials with a range of practical proposals for vocational training and the creation of self-employment and income-generating opportunities. These included initiatives in carpet weaving, handicrafts, small business management, food production, and the manufacturing of hygiene products.

UNICEF officials also emphasized the importance of collaborating with the private sector to identify employment opportunities and design vocational training programs tailored to labor market needs.
Furthermore, ACCI’s leadership presented proposals for establishing an Afghan joint-stock company and constructing a 100-bed specialized hospital for cancer patients. The participants exchanged views on potential areas of cooperation in these fields.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides emphasized the continuation of technical and specialized cooperation to develop vocational skills and create sustainable employment and income-generating opportunities for vulnerable segments of society.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

A delegation from the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment led by Mawlawi Habibullah Omar, Deputy for Cultural and Social Affairs, has arrived in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, to participate in the country’s international exhibition and hold meetings with Indonesian traders and investors to strengthen trade relations.

The delegation comprises 50 Afghan traders and investors. The visit aims to showcase Afghanistan’s trade products and investment opportunities, exchange information on regional and international markets, and explore suitable ways to strengthen cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries.

During the exhibition, the ACCI delegation is also scheduled to meet with Indonesian traders and investors. In these meetings, ACCI representatives will present Afghanistan’s existing trade and investment opportunities, the potential of various economic sectors, and opportunities for expanding trade cooperation. They will also encourage Indonesian traders and investors to invest in Afghanistan and establish joint business ventures.

These meetings are also expected to play an important role in strengthening relations between trade institutions in the two countries, exchanging trade-related information and experience, identifying joint investment opportunities, and finding new markets for Afghan traders.

ACCI’s participation in international exhibitions in Indonesia represents an important opportunity to showcase the capabilities of Afghanistan’s private sector, expand exports, attract foreign investment, and strengthen Afghanistan’s trade relations.

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

The 15th meeting of the Executive Committee of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment was held at the main office of ACCI under the chairmanship of Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of ACCI. The meeting was attended by the Deputies of the Board of Directories, Mr. Mohammad Ibrahim Moheb, Mr. Noor Ahmad Khan Noor Alam, Mr. Mirajan Sulaimankhel, Mr. Enayatullah Siddiqzi, Mr. Arian Zalgai Azimi, Mr. Faiz Ahmad Khawafi, and Mr. Mujib-ul-Rahman Shirzad. Mr. Khalilullah Khairkhwah, Head of Finance, and Mr. Zabihullah Omarkhel, Head of the Secretariat were also present.

At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi described ACCI as the common home of the country’s traders, industrialists, investors, and private-sector stakeholders, expressing his appreciation for their trust and support. Emphasizing the professional and ethical responsibilities of chamber members to address traders’ challenges and provide better and continuous services to the private sector, he stressed the importance of strengthening solidarity, coordination, and mutual understanding among members in serving Afghanistan and its people.

The meeting then reviewed the preparations and progress of Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) Fifth National and International Expo, arrangements for its closing ceremony, and the achievements of the first five days of this major economic event. Participants assessed the exhibition’s initial results and achievements as satisfactory.

Furthermore, a committee comprising the Chamber’s Deputy Board Members was tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of the organization of Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) Fifth National and International Expo and recognizing employees who demonstrated competence, integrity, and professional commitment throughout the process.

Matters related to the joint-stock company were also discussed, and the necessary instructions were issued.

In another part of the meeting, the operational plan for establishing a 100-bed specialized charitable hospital for cancer patients in Kabul was reviewed. The relevant departments were tasked with initiating the necessary assessments and evaluations concerning the preparation of the proposal, the condition of the building, and the equipment required for the hospital.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants discussed the Private Sector Excellence Award, the late Abdul Majid Khan Zabulī Award, the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment Trophy, and the Chamber’s special certificates of appreciation, exchanging views on these matters.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) Fifth National and International Expo and Trade Fair held in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, with broad participation from traders, industrialists, investors, and representatives of domestic and foreign companies, concluded yesterday after seven days of activities in an official closing ceremony at the exhibition venue.

The closing ceremony of this major economic and trade event was attended by officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, diplomatic representatives of regional countries, the leadership of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, officials of economic institutions, private-sector representatives, traders, investors, and exhibitors.

In his address, Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of ACCI described Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) Fifth Expo as a valuable opportunity to showcase Afghanistan’s economic and production capacities, develop trade relations, expand export markets, and attract domestic and foreign investment.

He stated that, beyond showcasing the country’s products and economic potential, the exhibition had provided a suitable platform for establishing direct connections between Afghan economic actors and foreign business partners, exchanging experiences, and creating new opportunities for cooperation and investment.

Mr. Hashemi highlighted the presence of traders and business representatives from the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran “under one roof,” as well as speeches delivered by representatives of both sides, as among the exhibition’s significant and noteworthy developments.

He emphasized that their joint presence demonstrated the effective role of trade in bringing nations closer, building mutual trust, and expanding economic cooperation beyond political differences.

The Chairman of ACCI added that, as a non-governmental and non-political institution, the Chamber believes trade relations should be based on mutual respect, shared interests, and economic cooperation. He noted that trade can serve as a bridge for understanding, strengthening economic relations, and fostering constructive ties between nations.

Mr. Hashemi also expressed his appreciation for the participation of traders, investors, and representatives of friendly countries, inviting economic actors from across the region and the world to build on existing capacities and opportunities and expand joint trade and investment cooperation with Afghanistan’s private sector.

Referring to the event’s achievements, he stated that approximately 700 exhibition booths had been dedicated to showcasing the products, services, and economic capacities of domestic and foreign companies over the seven-day event. More than 500 traders, investors, company representatives, and business guests from various countries had also participated.

The Chairman added that, as a result of bilateral business-to-business (B2B) meetings, negotiations, and dedicated meetings among economic actors, trade contracts and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) worth a total of USD 934.8 million had been signed.

Emphasizing the importance of following up on and implementing these agreements, Mr. Hashemi noted that their true value was not limited to the figures recorded but depended on the extent to which they were implemented and their impact on increasing domestic production, expanding exports, creating employment opportunities, and improving people’s economic conditions.

He stated that ACCI would work in coordination with relevant institutions and business partners to facilitate the follow-up and implementation of the agreements reached.

Mr. Hashemi also expressed his appreciation to the leadership of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, particularly Mr. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, as well as officials of relevant ministries and institutions, for their cooperation in organizing the exhibition.

The Chairman stressed the need to provide practical facilities for the private sector, remove barriers to trade and investment, establish a healthy and fair competitive environment, support domestic production, and strengthen coordination between government institutions and economic actors.

During the ceremony, Mr. Ahmadullah Zahid, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, referred to the growth of industrial activities in the country, stating that the number of manufacturing factories in Afghanistan had increased from approximately 3,000 to more than 6,000. He emphasized the importance of supporting domestic industries, encouraging investment in production, and creating favorable conditions for the expansion of industrial activities.

Similarly, Mr. Ahmad Jan Bilal, Director General of State-Owned Enterprises, described national and international exhibitions as effective opportunities to showcase economic capacities, expand trade cooperation, and strengthen relations between state-owned enterprises and the private sector. He emphasized the importance of developing joint cooperation to promote industry and strengthen the national economy.

Mr. Alireza Bikdeli, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Afghanistan, also addressed the ceremony, describing the fifth edition of the Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) Expo as more prominent than previous editions in terms of its scale and level of participation. He emphasized the importance of developing economic and trade relations, increasing interaction among economic actors, and expanding joint cooperation between Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In another part of the ceremony, a representative of the visually impaired community in the northern zone highlighted the capacities and abilities of people with visual disabilities and called for greater attention to their economic participation, the provision of employment opportunities suited to their skills, and support for their effective involvement in economic activities.

Mr. Arian Zalgai Azimi, Deputy for Investment, presented a report on the exhibition’s activities and achievements. He identified bilateral B2B meetings, dedicated meetings between traders and investors, the showcasing of domestic products and production capacities, and the provision of information on investment opportunities as among the event’s most important programs.

He further stated that, according to the organizers’ estimates, the exhibition had attracted approximately one million visitors over seven days, reflecting the strong interest and participation of the public, traders, and other visitors in this economic and trade event.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, certificates of appreciation and gifts were presented to a number of institutions, companies, distinguished individuals, exhibitors, and organizers in recognition of their contributions.

ACCI also expressed its gratitude to government institutions, security forces, traffic authorities, firefighting services, healthcare providers, municipal services, media organizations, exhibitors, and all those who contributed to the organization, security, media coverage, and successful implementation of the exhibition.

Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) Fifth National and International Expo was organized to showcase domestic production, promote Afghan products, develop trade relations, establish direct connections among economic actors, present investment opportunities, and strengthen economic cooperation at the national, regional, and international levels.

The exhibition concluded after providing a platform for direct meetings and discussions between domestic and foreign traders, showcasing production capacities, and creating new opportunities for trade cooperation. Following up on the agreements reached and turning identified opportunities into practical and sustainable partnerships remains a key priority in the aftermath of the event.