Speech of Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund at the Fifth General and International Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) Exhibition
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
To the respected officials and Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan; heads of Chambers of Commerce and Investment; representatives of foreign and domestic manufacturing companies; ambassadors and diplomatic representatives of friendly countries; representatives of the United Nations and international organizations; traders, investors, representatives of the media, and distinguished guests:
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh!
I hope that you are all in good health and well-being.
I am pleased to participate in the Fifth General and International Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) Exhibition, which is being held with the aim of promoting the country’s economic growth and introducing and marketing domestic products.
Distinguished attendees,
It is clear that trade relations and commercial ties among the countries of the region and the world are based on an important principle of trade, namely comparative and absolute advantages, so that countries around the world can properly meet their respective comparative and absolute needs in various areas of production, industry, and technology through these advantages.
In regional and international trade, no country is regarded as being of lesser importance, because every country possesses either comparative or absolute advantages in the production of goods and products. This is considered one of the fundamental necessities and drivers of regional and international trade.
The Fifth General and International Imam Abu Hanifa Exhibition is considered an important initiative for showcasing Afghanistan’s economic potential, supporting domestic production, expanding commercial relations, and strengthening direct trade relations between Afghanistan and the region.
The participation of the private sector is of fundamental importance to economic growth. Therefore, the Islamic Emirate is striving to create the necessary facilities for trade and investment, reduce obstacles facing traders, and establish a suitable environment for the private sector.
Today’s exhibition can properly showcase Afghanistan’s potential in the field of commercial products and production. Given the high quality of Afghanistan’s agricultural, industrial, and other products, as well as its dried and fresh fruits, such exhibitions can play an important role in strengthening trade relations with other countries and in finding regional and international markets for our domestic products.
Distinguished attendees,
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is not only completing unfinished chapters in the country’s economic growth and development, but has also, with limited resources, initiated new chapters in rebuilding the country’s economic foundations—chapters that the present and future generations of Afghanistan will take pride in.
As you are aware, a few days ago, the Wakhan Economic and Trade Corridor was inaugurated. This corridor connects China with European markets through Afghanistan via the shortest route and transforms Afghanistan into a major hub for regional transit and trade. In addition to transit revenues, major and important infrastructure will gradually be developed along this route.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s efforts in the area of regional connectivity are clear evidence that we are transforming our borders from points of threat into points of connection for strategic economic cooperation. This remains among our highest priorities.
Finally, I would like to thank the respected officials of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment and the other cooperating parties for organizing this exhibition. I hope that such exhibitions will open a new chapter in the country’s economic growth and in strengthening trade relations and commercial ties.
Wa Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.