On August 8, 2023, a prominent governmental delegation, headed by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, embarked on a journey to Türkiye
On August 8, 2023, a prominent governmental delegation, headed by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, embarked on a journey to Türkiye. The purpose of this delegation was to engage in discussions with Turkish authorities, investors, leaders of institutions specializing in investment, as well as Afghan expatriate investors residing in Türkiye.
During this session, both parties engaged in discussions pertaining to enhancing bilateral relations, fostering trade, promoting regional connectivity, and fostering economic cooperation between the two country.
In his address, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that Afghanistan and Türkiye share a deep-rooted friendship, underscoring the importance of cultivating robust political and economic ties.
Esteemed Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund deliberated on the augmentation of trade relations with Türkiye, proposed the establishment of collaborative trade chambers, advocated for the establishment of an air corridor, and urged Turkish investors to invest in Afghanistan. He also highlighted the significance of facilitating visa issuance for Afghan citizens.
In response, Türkiye's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Hakan Fidan, assured the Deputy Prime Minister of efforts to amplify trade between the two nations and to encourage Turkish investors to participate in Afghanistan's development. He affirmed the commitment of relevant institutions to collaborate closely in these endeavors.
On the second day of his trip, His Excellency held a significant meeting with Mr. Nail OLPAK, Chairman of the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEİK), along with prominent Turkish business figures.
This pivotal assembly drew the participation of numerous Afghan and Turkish investors. Beyond addressing economic and trade matters, the discussion encompassed a comprehensive exploration of investment prospects within Afghanistan.
Distinguished leaders and delegates from major Turkish and global enterprises attended the session. These companies boast extensive experience in various sectors such as regional and global infrastructure development, mineral extraction and processing, agricultural mechanization, power generation, railway network construction, pharmaceuticals, food production, telecommunications, trade, and tourism.
During the meeting, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, assured Afghan and Turkish investors of a propitious investment climate in Afghanistan, emphasizing that a foundation for investment has been solidified through enhanced security measures. Mullah Baradar Akhund lauded the Islamic Emirate's efforts in facilitating investments spanning mining, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, industry, communication, trade, and diverse sectors, pledging full support to investors.
Attendants, largely comprised of representatives from companies experienced in Afghan investments, expressed resolute interest in seizing the available opportunities, aiming to mutually benefit both nations.
On the third day, he participated in and addressed a conference orchestrated by Afghan expatriate investors residing in the nation.
In his speech, Mullah Baradar Akhund assured the investors of overall security in Afghanistan. He further elaborated that during the previous two decades, the safety of Afghan citizens, especially national traders and investors, had remained uncertain. However, with the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate, their security has been effectively restored, enabling them to conduct their business endeavors within a secure environment.
The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs articulated in the conference that the re-establishment of a unified central system in Afghanistan has not only extended investment opportunities to the Afghan populace but also to foreign entities. A compelling instance of this lies in the collaborative contracts and investments undertaken by Asian and European investors, in conjunction with Afghan counterparts, in the Ghorian mine located in Herat. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund reaffirmed that Afghanistan serves as a shared homeland for all Afghans, transcending geographical divisions, as well as considerations of ethnicity or language.
Afghan investors residing in Türkiye have conveyed their satisfaction regarding the establishment of the Islamic system in Afghanistan. They have also lauded the enhancement of overall security and the facilitation of favorable conditions for investment. These investors have affirmed their commitment to collaborating with fellow compatriots in contributing to the advancement and progress of the nation.
On the fourth day of his visit to Türkiye, the esteemed Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund engaged in a productive meeting with Mr. Omer Bolat, the Minister of Trade of Türkiye. During this significant encounter, both parties delved into topics encompassing trade, investment, regional connectivity, and the fostering of economic cooperation between their respective nations.
This high-level dialogue encompassed a range of pivotal areas. The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs underscored the importance of expanding trade ties with Türkiye, directing investment toward industrial parks, nurturing the growth of medium and small businesses, initiating an air corridor between the two countries, establishing exhibitions and trade fairs, along with chambers of commerce, and fostering increased Turkish investment in Afghanistan.
In response, Minister Omer Bolat, representing Türkiye, offered his assurances to DPMEA Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund. He expressed the commitment to bolstering trade relations between the two countries and encouraging Turkish investors to actively partake in Afghanistan's investment landscape. Furthermore, he emphasized the collaboration of relevant agencies to facilitate the realization of these shared goals.
On the fifth day of his visit to Türkiye, he attended a significant gathering organized by the Afghanistan Chamber of Investment and Commerce and the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association (MÜSİAD). Present at this event was Mr. Mahmoud Ismali, the chairman of the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association, alongside numerous Turkish and Afghan investors. During this assembly, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund extended a warm invitation to Turkish investors, urging them to consider investing in Afghanistan. He emphasized the recent improvements in the investment climate within Afghanistan, urging Turkish entrepreneurs to seize this favorable opportunity.
In a subsequent address, Mr. Mahmoud Ismali, heading the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association, fervently encouraged Turkish investors to explore diverse investment opportunities in Afghanistan. He emphasized that Turkish investors should actively engage with Afghanistan's prospects, considering the current conducive environment for investment. Mr. Ismali also highlighted the notable enhancement of overall security in Afghanistan, which has led to the establishment of investment-friendly conditions across various sectors.
Among the attendees were not only Afghan and Turkish investors, but also presidents and representatives of prominent international companies spanning electricity production, agriculture, communications, infrastructure construction, water dams, construction materials, and logistics services. These esteemed companies, boasting successful track records in their respective fields, displayed a keen interest in contributing to Afghanistan's growth through strategic investments.
Concluding a comprehensive six-day sojourn in Türkiye, the distinguished government delegation under the guidance of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, arrived back in Kabul on Monday evening, the 14th of August, 2023.