The Roadmap for Expanding Economic Cooperation between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan is Being Implemented
The Roadmap for Expanding Economic Cooperation between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan is Being Implemented
Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, met with the Deputy PM of Kazakhstan, Serik Zhumangarin, and his accompanying delegation. This meeting took place today, April 21, 2025, at the Gulkhana Palace in the Arg. During the meeting, both sides discussed expanding joint cooperation in various economic sectors.
Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund stated that Afghanistan shares fundamental commonalities with Kazakhstan, which have positively influenced the commercial relations between the two countries throughout history and increased investment opportunities. He added that since the establishment of the Islamic Emirate, trade relations between the two nations have been steadily growing and strengthening.
Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund emphasized Afghanistan’s strong commitment to enhancing economic and trade relations with Kazakhstan and other regional countries. To this end, he noted that a draft roadmap was recently signed between Kabul and Astana to raise the trade volume to three billion USD. According to Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund, the implementation of this roadmap will bring about significant positive changes in various economic fields, including trade, agriculture, mining, transport, transit, railways, and industry, and will lead to increased investment in these areas.
He stated that the Islamic Emirate is ready to share the existing investment opportunities in Afghanistan’s mining sector with Kazakhstan and to sign agreements in areas such as the preservation and quarantine of agricultural products, and livestock sector. Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund also emphasized the need to expand banking relations between the two countries and strengthen cooperation in the development and exploration of Afghanistan’s oil fields. Furthermore, Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund said the Islamic Emirate has started working on the establishment of an operational company to increase the volume of imports and exports via railway, which will soon be introduced to Kazakhstan. He noted that this step will further facilitate trade among regional countries via railway.
He further added that Afghanistan is committed to cooperation with regional countries in the industrial, commercial, and transportation sectors. In this regard, the Islamic Emirate has prepared a draft agreement related to a joint center involving four countries—Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan—and has shared it with the Kazakh side. Additionally, Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund stressed the importance of resuming flights between Kabul and Astana, easing visa issuance for Afghan traders by Kazakhstan, and Afghanistan’s active participation in the upcoming regional economic forum.
In response, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Serik Zhumangarin, said Kazakhstan supports a developed and independent Afghanistan and acknowledges the remarkable progress being made across various sectors in the country. Zhumangarin added that considering these advancements, trade and economic relations between the two nations have expanded. He noted that Kazakhstan is ready to invest 500 million USD to commence the implementation of the Torghundi–Herat phase of the Torghundi–Herat–Spin Boldak railway project. He also stated Kazakhstan’s readiness to establish a logistical and transport company in Herat to manage the project’s operations. Additionally, the Deputy PM of Kazakhstan mentioned that Kazakhstan is prepared to launch an internet cable project that would provide Afghanistan with affordable internet access.
Mr. Zhumangarin further noted that Kazakh investors are ready to invest in various sectors in Afghanistan, particularly in mining, oil, and gas, and technical teams have already arrived in Kabul in this regard. During the meeting, the Kazakh side expressed its willingness to facilitate visa issuance for Afghan traders, resume flights between the two countries, enhance banking cooperation, increase transit and bilateral trade, and collaborate in the health and education sectors.
Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund welcomed Kazakhstan’s pledge to invest 500 million USD in the mentioned railway project, the establishment of a logistical and transport company, and their readiness to invest in various sectors. He assured the Kazakh side of full cooperation from the Islamic Emirate.
