Astana to host Kazakh-Afghan business forum

On August 3, Astana will host the Kazakh-Afghan business forum, which will bring together more than 400 delegates. The parties are set to discuss promising joint projects in the field of telecommunications, energy, transport and logistics. Additionally, the forum’s agenda will cover bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the fields of investments, trade, and transit. It bears noting that Afghanistan is a connecting bridge between Central Asian states, India and the Persian Gulf countries, providing Kazakhstan with access to the markets of the Middle East and Africa. According to the Kazakh Ministry of Trade and Integration, Afghanistan has the highest trade volume with Kazakhstan among all the Central Asian countries. In the past year, the mutual trade reached nearly $1 billion, and the relevant ministry aims to triple this figure in the coming years.

“More than 200 delegates, led by Afghan Minister of Commerce and Industry Haji Nooruddin Azizi, are expected to arrive in Kazakhstan. The delegation also comprises representatives from various businesses, including major energy and telecommunications companies, the Central Bank, several private banks, as well as manufacturers of carpets, beverages, gemstones, and many others. It is noteworthy that all members of the Afghan delegation are not included in the United Nations Security Council Consolidated List and, therefore, no restrictive measures can be applied to them,” Kairat Torebayev, Kazakh Vice Minister of Trade and Integration, said.

Afghanistan accounts for 70 percent of the total volume of Kazakhstan’s flour exports. Last year, flour supplies increased by 52 percent, and wheat supplies by 20 percent, while the export of sunflower oil grew sixfold. Starting this year, Kazakhstan has started shipments of rye and stabilized exports of medicines, fertilizers, and rolled products. In turn, Afghanistan is ready to export various agricultural products to Kazakhstan’s market, including vegetables and fruits. There will be an opportunity to explore goods produced in Afghanistan at a special exhibition.

Editor: Aizhan