Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund's Speech at Imam Abu Hanifa International Exhibition

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

Respected officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Honorable Governor of Sistan and Baluchistan from our neighboring country Iran, esteemed representatives of domestic and foreign production companies, businessmen, investors, media representatives, and all honorable guests.

 

Peace and Allah’s mercy and blessings be upon you!

We are proud to once again organize the third edition of the Imam Abu Hanifa International Exhibition in Afghanistan, aimed at fostering the country's economic growth and promoting and marketing both domestic and foreign-produced goods.

It is quite clear that trade relations between countries in the region and the world are based on a very important principle of commerce—namely, comparative and absolute advantage. This principle allows countries to make efficient use of resources and to properly meet their needs for various products, industries, and technologies across the globe.

In regional and global trade, each country holds a specific position and importance, as every nation has distinct capabilities and resources for producing goods. This is a fundamental requirement and driver of regional and international commerce.

In today’s Imam Abu Hanifa International Exhibition, various products from domestic and foreign companies are showcased in 700 stalls. These products include renowned goods from all sectors of Afghanistan, such as carpets, handicrafts, fresh and dried fruits, minerals, saffron, machinery, construction and logistical equipment, domestically produced pharmaceuticals, food items, and many more. Similarly, high-quality products from several foreign companies are also displayed, which will create important opportunities for product sales and joint marketing.

Through the introduction and presentation of these domestic and foreign products at this commercial exhibition, the internal industries of Afghanistan will be strengthened on the one hand, and on the other, trade relations with the participating countries and foreign companies will expand and grow stronger.

Honorable participants!

The domestic products displayed in this exhibition are the result of the hard work and efforts of the people, investors, and industrialists of Afghanistan. Our country has exceptional capacities in the fields of handicrafts, industrial production, dried and fresh fruits, agriculture, and other sectors. Not only do our products meet international standards in terms of quality, but they also stand out as unique in the region and around the world.

Today’s exhibition demonstrates Afghanistan’s abilities and potential in commercial products and production to countries in the region and the world. Such exhibitions have the potential to positively influence the strengthening of trade relations with other nations and to find and expand global markets for our products and industries.

I sincerely thank the esteemed representatives of all domestic and foreign companies, businessmen, and investors for participating in this exhibition and for displaying their high-quality products. God willing, appropriate markets and sales opportunities will be found for their products in Afghanistan and other countries, and reciprocal trade relations will be further strengthened.

To the esteemed representatives, investors, and businessmen of foreign companies, I assure you that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is fully committed to expanding and strengthening trade relations and interactions based on mutual needs. No obstacles or delays will arise in this regard. You can see for yourselves that Afghanistan is fully secure and suitable for all types of investments. The Islamic Emirate is determined to attract investments, especially foreign ones. Therefore, the environment is conducive for all foreign investors, and they can take full advantage of the fruitful and promising investment opportunities in Afghanistan.

To the domestic companies, investors, and respected traders of our country, we assure you that not only will we find markets for your products both domestically and abroad, but we will also develop and implement appropriate policies to support internal industries. We will further enhance the necessary facilities to encourage investors and traders.

Afghanistan has unique agricultural and industrial products, but a major reason why they have not found their proper place in the international market is the lack of standardized processing and packaging. I urge domestic and foreign investors to establish standard processing and packaging companies and cold storage facilities in Afghanistan, so that Afghan products, packaged to international standards, can attract widespread buyers. The Islamic Emirate is ready to provide these investors with the necessary facilities.

In conclusion, I extend my congratulations to all my countrymen on the occasion of organizing the third Imam Abu Hanifa International Exhibition. I hope that exhibitions like this, which introduce commercial goods and products, will play an important role in the economic growth of the country and in strengthening trade relations and interactions. I also hope they will open a new chapter in the field of trade. I extend my thanks to the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, the exhibition organizers, and all those involved for properly organizing this exhibition.

Thank you for your attention.
 

Peace and Allah’s mercy and blessings be upon you!