Speech of the Deputy PM for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, delivered at the meeting held with the country’s industrialists, traders and representatives of the esteemed Ministry of Finance on reducing reliance on Pakistan for trade

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.

 

To the respected officials of the various agencies of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, traders, investors, industrialists, and all guests present in the hall:

Peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you.

 

I pray to Almighty Allah for your wellbeing and good health.

 

Honorable attendees,

Today we are gathered here to discuss several important matters aimed at sustainably managing trade relations with neighbouring and regional countries, safeguarding Afghanistan’s strategic survival in the commercial arena, preserving the dignity of our people, and protecting the security of the country’s policies — so that we may issue necessary recommendations to the nation’s respected traders and relevant institutions in this area.

 

Fellow countrymen,

No one can deny the fundamental reality that all countries of the world require economic exchanges and relations with one another to meet their needs, and no country can fulfill all of its needs by itself. Moreover, with a view to economic growth, many countries intentionally do not seek complete self-sufficiency in every sector. Therefore, regional and international trade is a common and essential need among all countries, and legitimate commercial relations should not become victims of unreasonable politics.

 

Unfortunately, in the present era it has become common for trade relations, commercial routes, economic blockades, and the inhumane and illegal suffering of migrants to be used as political tools to exert pressure on a target country. These pressures become critical and severe when a country lacks alternative routes for its exports and imports and depends entirely on one country.

 

We thank Allah that Afghanistan is currently a country that has access to multiple routes and corridors for its exports and imports; our reliance is not solely on one specific country, and our commercial relations with regional and neighbouring countries have become much stronger than before. This diversity of routes practically shields us from economic and political pressures. Through diversification of routes and appropriate policies, Allah has brought us out of a situation where the closure of one route would raise domestic prices of goods and impose burdens on the public.

 

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is continuously working to create new alternative routes for regional and international connectivity and to upgrade existing alternatives technically and infrastructurally to high standards and capacities.

 

Moreover, the Islamic Emirate has always pursued and will continue to pursue an economy-centered policy with neighbouring countries and maintain sound commercial relations; however, if other countries misuse our reasonable policy, we are compelled to consider alternative measures.

 

Finally, I wish to focus on the core topic and make several recommendations to the country’s industrialists, traders, and the esteemed Ministry of Finance to reduce reliance on Pakistan for trade:

 

First:

All of the country’s industrialists and traders should turn to alternative routes instead of relying on Pakistan. This route has not only harmed our traders but has also caused problems for markets and the general public. I strongly urge all respected traders to promptly implement alternative options for exports and imports so that our trade is not exposed to disruption and delay. Also, for goods that have so far been procured from Pakistan, seek other countries and markets for purchase and import. By this notice the Islamic Emirate disassociates itself and clearly states that if, after this notice, traders continue to import or export goods through Pakistan, the Islamic Emirate will not address or respond to any problems that arise.

 

Second:

There is no doubt that a major problem in our health sector and the principal reason for the annual outflow of hundreds of millions of dollars is the importation of low-quality medicines from Pakistan. I urgently call on those importing medicines from Pakistan to shift their imports to other countries and routes as soon as possible. If anyone has contracts or purchases in Pakistan, they are granted a period of three months to settle all their accounts there and cease operations.

 

Because Pakistan has repeatedly closed trade routes and currently keeps them closed, and has politicized trade and humanitarian matters — thereby harming traders and industrialists of both countries — the Islamic Emirate was obliged to make the foregoing decision. If Pakistan seeks reopening of routes, it will be done under strict and reliable guarantees that prevent future closures under any circumstances.

 

Third:

I direct the esteemed Ministry of Finance that, after three months, no pharmaceutical products imported from Pakistan shall be permitted, and no one shall be allowed to import them.

 

Peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you.”