Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund's Address at the Opening of Afghan-Kazakh Business Forum

25/04/2024

In the name of Allah, the most merciful, the most gracious,

To the delegation led by the Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, esteemed officials of the Islamic Emirate, representatives of the private sector, members of the media, and distinguished participants of this gathering,

Peace be upon you, and may God's mercy and blessings be upon you.

It brings me great joy to join you today at the Afghan-Kazakh International Exhibition. This marks the second exhibition between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan within less than a year, with the first held in Astana and the current one hosted here in Kabul.

Last year, a notable Kazakh-Afghan exhibition took place in the capital of Kazakhstan, where Afghan industrialists and investors showcased their products. At the conclusion of this exhibition, agreements worth millions of dollars were inked between entrepreneurs and investors from both nations, signifying a significant milestone in the advancement of trade and industry for both countries.

In a bid to further bolster our shared economic and trade relations, a distinguished delegation comprising government and private sector representatives, under the leadership of the Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, graced the opening ceremony of the 2nd Afghan-Kazakh International Exhibition in Kabul. Your esteemed presence at this exhibition is greatly appreciated.

The primary objective of such exhibitions is to acquaint both nations with each other's products, with a keen emphasis on quality and quantity. Through these platforms, entrepreneurs and businessmen from both countries have the opportunity to forge agreements across various industries and products, leveraging each other's expertise. This collaborative effort will play a pivotal role in enhancing bilateral trade and fostering industrial development.

I urge our esteemed citizens to extend their support not only to Afghan goods but also to Kazakh products showcased in this exhibition.

I must highlight that yesterday, we held a highly productive meeting with the Kazakh delegation, covering discussions on e-governance, the provision of high-quality and efficient public services, as well as other crucial economic, commercial, transit, and transportation matters. Notably, a significant topic of discussion was the expansion of the railway network from Kazakhstan to Pakistan via Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate views this regional connectivity initiative as paramount and stands ready to lend its full support. Afghanistan, now more than ever, presents a conducive environment for such transformative economic projects, offering numerous investment opportunities.

By facilitating both domestic and foreign investment in Afghanistan, we not only empower our own citizens but also welcome investors from abroad. A prime example of this collaborative effort is the joint investment by Asian and European countries in various sectors including mining, oil extraction, industrial parks, and electricity production. In addition to these sectors, opportunities for investment abound in electricity, mining, agriculture, transportation, infrastructure, communication, technology, and healthcare, among others. We have diligently worked to create a favorable investment climate for both domestic and foreign investors, as evidenced by the inauguration of nine infrastructure projects totaling 16 billion Afghanis in the first month of 1403 SH, providing gainful employment to thousands of individuals.

In conclusion, I reiterate my call to all domestic and foreign investors, particularly Afghan and Kazakh investors, to seize the investment opportunities available in Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate stands committed to facilitating all necessary support and resources for investors, both domestic and foreign.

Thank you for your attention.