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Azizi expresses concern, says Afghans invested billions in neighboring countries
Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nooruddin Azizi, has expressed concern over the investments made by Afghans in neighboring countries and the region, amounting to billions of dollars.
In an exclusive interview with Ariana News, Azizi revealed that his ministry is actively working to facilitate the return of Afghan investments from neighboring countries and the region back to Afghanistan.
He explained that discussions have already been initiated with several Afghan investors on this issue.
“I cannot provide exact figures, but Iran has previously stated that Afghans have invested nearly $9 billion in the country,” he said.
However, he was optimistic, adding, “By the grace of God, we have enacted laws that are gradually enabling immigrants, the private sector, and our entrepreneurs to invest within Afghanistan.”
Azizi also highlighted the ministry’s efforts to support industrialists, mentioning that programs for land allocation and electricity supply are advancing quickly.
He announced that 150,000 acres of land would be distributed for economic activities to boost domestic industry.
Furthermore, the Acting Minister revealed that Afghanistan has successfully convinced Uzbekistan to invest in the country’s electricity sector.
While banking issues faced by Afghan traders in neighboring countries and the region have been resolved, Azizi acknowledged that challenges remain at the international level.
Azizi also stressed that the Ministry of Industry is working tirelessly to expand new export markets for Afghan products, aiming to reduce traders’ reliance on specific markets, particularly Pakistan.
Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US special representative for Afghanistan, has questioned Pakistan’s commitment to the welfare of the Afghan people, citing Islamabad’s policies over the past three decades.
Khalilzad said in a post on X that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif advocated for the rights of Afghan women during his speech at the UN General Assembly on Friday.
Sharif said: “Fundamental rights of the Afghan people — especially women and girls — must be respected.”
Responding to the remarks, Khalilzad said Pakistan’s policies over the past 30 years raise questions about Sharif’s commitment to Afghan welfare.
He cited Pakistan’s support for militant groups against US forces and what he described as the poor treatment of Afghan refugees as examples.
Khalilzad also said Afghanistan and Pakistan need and should have much better relations, adding that “a reset is necessary.”
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Rabab Fatima, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X that Misri underscored the need to keep addressing the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people as a priority.
Misri also appreciated the role of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and reaffirmed India’s continued cooperation with the United Nations on Afghanistan.
The meeting comes as Afghanistan continues to face humanitarian and economic challenges, with international agencies warning of significant needs among the Afghan population.
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi has called for pragmatic and coordinated international engagement with Afghanistan, saying the country’s long-term stability is closely linked to the security and sustainable development of Central Asia.
Speaking during the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, Tileuberdi said humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan remains essential but alone cannot break the cycle of poverty, displacement and dependency.
He said Kazakhstan supports a “pragmatic, coordinated and step-by-step” approach to international engagement with Afghanistan, with the United Nations playing a central role.
Tileuberdi also said Kazakhstan is working with the UN to operationalize the United Nations Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.
He said the success of the centre should be measured by the results and assistance it delivers to the region.
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