Business
Conference on Islamic microfinance kicks off in Kabul
The four-day conference will discuss topics related to Islamic finance in Afghanistan, microfinance, job creation, poverty reduction, and financial inclusion.
A conference focusing on Islamic microfinance under the title ‘Islamic Finance Week of Afghanistan’ got underway in Kabul on Monday.
The conference, organized by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has brought together representatives of Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB), the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, UNAMA, ambassadors from some countries, representatives of the private sector, commercial banks, microfinance institutions, and representatives of various other financial and banking institutions, DAB said in a statement.
The four-day conference will discuss topics related to Islamic finance in Afghanistan, microfinance, job creation, poverty reduction, and financial inclusion.
Sidiqullah Khalid, the Director General of the Governor’s Office of DAB, said that despite many challenges, the Islamic banking sector is still in a developing and stable condition.
He added that guidelines and frameworks for transitioning from conventional banking to Islamic banking, adapted to Afghanistan’s conditions, have been developed by utilizing the experiences of other Islamic countries.
According to him, the level of public trust in banks is increasing day by day, and significant steps will be taken soon in the area of financial development.
“DAB has relations with several international institutions that work in the field of Islamic finance and banking, and DAB will also utilize the standards, financial products, and training programs of these international institutions, along with the experiences of other Islamic countries, to further strengthen the Islamic banking in the country,” he said.
Khalid also stated that microfinance institutions play an important role in diversifying financial products, particularly in providing access to financial products for small businesses, agricultural growth for farmers, facilitating business opportunities for small entrepreneurs, reducing poverty levels, creating job opportunities, and overall contributing to the economic growth and development of the country.
He added that the bank has developed and finalized a framework for the regulation and supervision of this sector. Individuals in all provinces of the country who wish to provide services to the citizens through microfinance institutions can obtain a license from DAB.
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Pakistan’s kinno exports remain far below potential as regional tensions, high freight costs and weak government support continue to choke the citrus trade.
Despite being a leading global citrus producer, Pakistan is expected to export just 400,000–450,000 tonnes of kinno in the 2025–26 season, compared with an estimated capacity of 700,000–800,000 tonnes.
Exports in 2024–25 stood at around 350,000–400,000 tonnes, mainly to Russia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Indonesia and Central Asia. While better fruit quality this season has raised hopes, persistent crossing disruptions—especially with Afghanistan—and transport bottlenecks have offset gains.
Growers say prices have collapsed sharply, forcing panic sales. Rates for large kinno have fallen from over Rs120 per kg early in the season to as low as Rs75, while smaller fruit is selling for Rs35–40 per kg amid weak demand.
Industry leaders warn the crisis is crippling processing units and jobs. More than 100 factories reportedly failed to open this season, with dozens more shutting down as exports stall. Cold storages in Sargodha are nearly full, putting fruit worth millions of dollars at risk of spoilage, while growers fear losses of up to Rs10 billion.
Exporters are urging the government to urgently resolve issues, subsidise logistics, and help access alternative markets, warning that prolonged inaction could devastate farmers, workers and the wider economy.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that Tehran will facilitate trade and economic exchanges with Afghanistan, including easing procedures at customs and local marketplaces.
He made the remarks during a televised interview following his visit to South Khorasan province, which shares a border with Afghanistan.
Pezeshkian, in a separate event addressing local business leaders, highlighted the province’s strategic advantages, citing its rich mineral resources, proximity to neighboring countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, and access to the ocean via the Chabahar port. He described the region as “a golden opportunity not found everywhere,” emphasizing its potential for economic growth and cross-border commerce.
A Kazakh delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Finance of Kazakhstan met with Sediqullah Khalid, First Deputy Governor of Da Afghanistan Bank, to discuss ways of strengthening banking and economic cooperation between the two countries.
According to a statement issued by Da Afghanistan Bank, Khalid said the central bank is keen to establish regular and effective banking relations with Kazakhstan as part of broader efforts to expand bilateral trade.
He noted that enhanced banking cooperation would help facilitate trade, investment, and wider economic interaction between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan, while also contributing to financial stability at the regional level.
Members of the Kazakh delegation also emphasized the importance of developing banking and economic ties and expressed their readiness to expand joint cooperation.
The two sides further agreed to establish technical committees from both countries to hold expert-level discussions and advance practical steps for cooperation.
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