Cairo: Hani Kamal El-Din
KABUL, April 21 – Afghanistan is taking bold steps to deepen its economic cooperation with Kazakhstan, with both countries setting a clear path for a thriving partnership. The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of Afghanistan, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, recently met with Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Serik Jomangarin, who was leading a high-level delegation in Kabul.
In a detailed meeting, both sides discussed the potential to expand bilateral relations in various economic sectors, including trade, investment, infrastructure, and agriculture. According to the official statement from Afghanistan’s Economic Cooperation Office, the discussions were aimed at building a comprehensive roadmap to advance cooperation between the two nations.
Historical Ties and Promising Future
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar emphasized the shared history and cultural ties between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan, noting how these long-standing connections have positively influenced trade relations and opened doors for mutual investment opportunities. He highlighted the growing strength of the economic ties between both countries, especially since the rise of the Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan. Baradar expressed confidence that these relations will continue to thrive in the coming years.
In a significant move, Afghanistan has announced the signing of a roadmap that targets increasing bilateral trade to $3 billion. According to Baradar, the implementation of this roadmap will bring about considerable positive changes in various sectors, including trade, agriculture, mining, transport, railroads, and industry, with a special focus on attracting additional investments in these fields.
Expanding Investment and Infrastructure Projects
Afghanistan’s commitment to advancing its economic ties with Kazakhstan is further demonstrated by its readiness to engage in joint ventures in the mining sector. Baradar revealed that Afghanistan is keen to offer investment opportunities in its rich mineral deposits and is prepared to sign agreements in areas such as agricultural preservation, quarantine, and livestock management.
The Deputy Prime Minister also underscored the importance of developing banking relations between the two nations and strengthening cooperation in exploring Afghanistan’s oil fields. He highlighted that Afghanistan is in the process of establishing an operational company that will facilitate the country’s import and export activities through an expanded railway network linking Afghanistan to Kazakhstan.
Baradar mentioned that Afghanistan is committed to regional collaboration and has submitted a proposal to Kazakhstan for the establishment of a joint center involving Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. This initiative aims to enhance industrial, trade, and transportation cooperation across these four countries.
Air Connectivity and Economic Forums
The development of air travel and further cooperation in the field of tourism and business were also part of the discussions. Baradar emphasized the need to establish direct flight routes between Kabul and Astana, facilitate visa issuance for Afghan entrepreneurs, and actively participate in the economic forum being developed in collaboration with neighboring countries.
Kazakhstan’s Commitment to Afghanistan’s Economic Growth
On the Kazakh side, Deputy Prime Minister Serik Jomangarin reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s unwavering support for Afghanistan’s development, emphasizing the positive strides the country has made in recent years. Jomangarin expressed that Kazakhstan is pleased with the progress in Afghanistan’s trade and economic development and remains committed to expanding cooperation.
Jomangarin announced Kazakhstan’s readiness to invest $500 million into the Turghundai-Herat-Spin Boldak railway project, a key infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing regional connectivity. The project will also see the establishment of a logistics and transportation company in Herat, which will be crucial to its success.
In addition, Jomangarin highlighted Kazakhstan’s plans to extend its internet services to Afghanistan at a low cost, further enhancing digital connectivity in the region.
Investing in Mining and Other Key Sectors
Kazakhstan’s willingness to invest in Afghanistan’s mining and oil sectors was made clear as Jomangarin noted that several technical groups from Kazakhstan had already arrived in Kabul to explore investment opportunities. He also mentioned that Kazakhstan had issued visas for Afghan businessmen, started direct air services, and significantly increased transit and trade between the two nations.
Jomangarin concluded by expressing Kazakhstan’s continued commitment to a range of joint initiatives, including collaboration in the fields of healthcare and education, which will further cement the ties between the two countries.
A Promising Future of Regional Cooperation
In the closing remarks, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar expressed gratitude for Kazakhstan’s $500 million investment in the railway project and for its ongoing support for Afghanistan’s economic ventures. He reassured Kazakhstan’s delegation of Afghanistan’s readiness to foster and strengthen cooperation across various sectors, cementing the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to supporting mutual development.
