Business
Pakistan reaffirms commitment to regional trade corridors through Iran, Afghanistan, and China
Regional experts argue that Afghanistan’s integration into cross-border trade projects could also enhance political stability, as stronger economic ties often help reduce tensions and foster cooperation.
Pakistan is committed to completing regional trade corridors linking the country with Iran, Afghanistan, and China, Islamabad’s Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan said on Tuesday, underscoring the government’s focus on strengthening connectivity and boosting economic integration.
He made the remarks during a meeting with the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Regional Head, who reaffirmed the Bank’s plans to expand investments in Pakistan, particularly in the transport and communications sectors.
Pakistan remains a “priority country” under ADB’s current programs, the delegation noted, while also inviting the minister to attend the upcoming Bishkek Conference in November.
Aleem welcomed ADB’s continued support, describing road infrastructure as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic growth. He highlighted opportunities for investment in communications, railways, and infrastructure, noting that regional initiatives such as the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program provide an important platform for attracting international investment.
“Pakistan is determined to complete trade corridors through Iran, Afghanistan, and China,” Aleem said. “These projects will not only strengthen trade but also promote tourism across the region.”
Analysts note that Afghanistan, situated at the crossroads of South and Central Asia, has a critical stake in the development of regional corridors. Landlocked and heavily dependent on imports, the country relies on transit routes through Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asia for access to global markets.
Trade links through initiatives like CAREC are seen as vital to revitalizing Afghanistan’s struggling economy, creating jobs, and offering alternatives to illicit trade. Improved road and rail infrastructure could significantly reduce the cost of doing business and open up opportunities for Afghan exports, particularly agricultural goods and minerals.
Regional experts argue that Afghanistan’s integration into cross-border trade projects could also enhance political stability, as stronger economic ties often help reduce tensions and foster cooperation.
Without access to efficient trade routes, Afghanistan risks deeper isolation at a time when humanitarian and economic challenges are already acute.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has meanwhile repeatedly underscored the importance of regional connectivity as a cornerstone of its economic policy.
Kabul has promoted projects such as the Trans-Afghan Railway, linking Uzbekistan with Pakistan via Afghanistan, and has supported expanded road and energy corridors with neighbors, including Iran, China, and Central Asia.
IEA officials have emphasized that Afghanistan seeks to serve as a land bridge between South and Central Asia, offering shorter transit routes and new opportunities for regional trade.
While international recognition of the caretaker government remains unresolved, the IEA has continued to engage in talks with regional partners to attract investment in infrastructure and transit projects.
Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Ahmadullah Zahid, has travelled to India to attend the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2026 in New Delhi.
The ministry said Zahid is scheduled to meet senior Indian government officials, trade representatives and investors during the visit.
Discussions are expected to focus on expanding bilateral trade and economic relations, increasing trade between the two countries, exploring new markets for Afghan products and identifying opportunities for joint investment.
The ministry said the visit aims to strengthen trade cooperation, promote Afghanistan’s production and export potential, and create new opportunities for economic engagement between Kabul and New Delhi.
The 45th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2026 takes place from November 13 to November 27 in New Delhi.
Business
Afghanistan hosts dialogue on Islamic microfinance to expand access to Sharia-compliant financial services
Participants also explored practical solutions and future steps to strengthen the sector, emphasizing the importance of cooperation, knowledge-sharing and better coordination among relevant institutions.
A dialogue on Islamic microfinance was held in Kabul on Wednesday, bringing together representatives of financial institutions, government authorities, international partners and Afghanistan’s microfinance sector to discuss ways of expanding inclusive financial services in the country.
The event was organized by The Liaison Office in coordination with the Afghanistan Microfinance Association (AMA), Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) and the Indonesian Embassy in Kabul.
Participants discussed opportunities and challenges facing the development of Islamic microfinance services, with a focus on expanding access to financial products that comply with Islamic Sharia principles.
Representatives of AMA, Da Afghanistan Bank and the Indonesian Ambassador to Afghanistan delivered keynote remarks, highlighting the current situation of the microfinance sector, international experiences and opportunities for developing diverse Islamic financial products.
Two panel discussions focused on major challenges facing microfinance institutions, including structural barriers to growth, limited access to capital, funding and liquidity constraints, difficulties in securing guarantees, and the long-term sustainability of Islamic microfinance services.
Participants also explored practical solutions and future steps to strengthen the sector, emphasizing the importance of cooperation, knowledge-sharing and better coordination among relevant institutions.
The dialogue concluded with calls for stronger collaboration among financial institutions and development partners to improve access to inclusive, sustainable and Sharia-compliant financial services across Afghanistan.
Business
Iraqi intelligence report alleges oil smuggling network supplying Afghanistan and Turkey through Iran
The report highlights broader challenges facing regional authorities in combating illicit oil trade and enforcing international sanctions.
An Iraqi intelligence report obtained by Sky News Arabia has revealed alleged large-scale crude oil smuggling operations from northern Iraq into Iran, where the oil is reportedly refined and later sold in regional markets, including Afghanistan and Turkey.
According to the report, shipments of crude oil are transported through land routes and unofficial trade channels into Iranian territory, where they undergo refining and processing before being re-exported to foreign markets.
The intelligence findings suggest that the alleged network is designed to bypass international sanctions and facilitate the movement of petroleum products outside official trade and financial monitoring systems.
The report further indicates that smuggling networks rely on informal transportation routes and cross-border commercial channels to maintain the collection, processing and distribution of oil products while avoiding regulatory oversight.
The revelations have raised concerns over cross-border smuggling, the loss of national resources and the potential impact of illicit oil trade on regional economies.
Security and political observers say the reported activities could put additional pressure on Iraqi authorities to strengthen border controls, monitor oil transportation routes and improve coordination with regional and international partners.
However, the allegations outlined in the intelligence report have not been independently verified, and further details about the networks involved, the quantities of oil transported and the scale of supplies reaching Afghanistan and Turkey remain unclear.
The report highlights broader challenges facing regional authorities in combating illicit oil trade and enforcing international sanctions.
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