Business
Afghanistan establishes revenue collection center for certificates of origin and invoice registration
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) of Afghanistan has officially inaugurated a new revenue collection center in Kabul, dedicated to handling the issuance of Certificates of Origin and the registration of invoices for trade related purposes.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Acting Minister Nooruddin Azizi emphasized that the center was not established to undermine the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), but rather to strengthen cooperation between the government and the private sector.
“Any entrepreneur with capital is welcome to invest in Afghanistan, build factories, process raw materials, and export products. The doors are open. Of course, there are challenges — but no nation is built without hard work,” Azizi said.
He also issued a strong warning to those involved in fraudulent import practices, particularly in the oil and gas sector.
“Brother, do not mix oil with water or water with oil — for God’s sake, don’t do it. You are a Muslim. The Islamic Emirate has made its decision: a commission has been formed, and anyone caught committing this kind of fraud will be held accountable and removed from the market.”
Several private sector representatives welcomed the move and expressed their willingness to collaborate more closely with the government.
Shirbaz Kaminzada, President of the Chamber of Industries and Mines, stated: “Thankfully, our traders are increasingly turning toward domestic production. When we produce locally, there’s less need for imports.”
Khairuddin Mayel, Deputy of the ACCI, called on the government to ensure the Chamber remains actively involved in economic decision-making processes.
“We ask that the Chamber’s role be preserved in all economic mechanisms, and that its leadership be informed and involved from the outset,” he said.
Participants at the event also stressed that since revenue is collected through considerable effort, it must be spent responsibly and transparently — a critical step toward lifting Afghanistan out of its current economic challenges.
Business
Kazakhstan grain exports to Afghanistan jump sharply
Shipments to Afghanistan reached 302,000 tons during the period, marking a 4.2-fold increase compared to the same timeframe last year.
Grain exports from Kazakhstan to Afghanistan surged more than fourfold in the first quarter of 2026, according to a report by Kazinform International News Agency.
Shipments to Afghanistan reached 302,000 tonnes during the period, marking a 4.2-fold increase compared to the same timeframe last year.
Kazakhstan’s overall grain exports also recorded solid growth, rising 18 percent to 3.2 million tonnes. Domestic grain shipments increased by 8 percent, totaling 0.9 million tonnes.
Looking ahead, Kazakhstan plans to expand its agricultural processing capacity, with new grain facilities expected to handle a combined 5.8 million tonnes annually by 2028.
Business
Afghan economic commission approves 12 major development projects across key sectors
In the infrastructure sector, projects include connecting the eastern Kandahar substation to the new central substation in Tarinkot, as well as a major electricity transmission project from Kajaki dam to New Tarinkot.
The Economic Deputy Office of the Prime Minister says 12 major development projects have been approved in the latest meeting of the Economic Commission and referred to relevant departments for implementation.
According to the statement, the approved projects include the transfer of imported electricity to the province of Paktika, construction of a double-circuit transmission line from Ghazni, completion of remaining substation works, and expansion of the national power network.
The package also includes extension of electricity lines from the Nurul-Jihad substation to the provinces of Herat, Farah, and Nimroz, as well as supplying electricity to Seydan village in the Grishk district of Helmand.
In the infrastructure sector, projects include connecting the eastern Kandahar substation to the new central substation in Tarinkot, as well as a major electricity transmission project from Kajaki dam to New Tarinkot.
Other approved projects include irrigation schemes in Faryab, upgrading and activating the 350-bed Aino Mina hospital in Kandahar, construction of a grand mosque with a capacity of 40,000 worshippers in Nimroz, and expansion of the Torghundi–Herat and Andkhoy–Shiberghan–Mazar-i-Sharif railway lines.
Officials say these projects aim to strengthen infrastructure, improve public services, and support economic growth across the country.
Local authorities in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province say a 23-point memorandum of understanding (MOU has been signed with Afghan officials following a recent visit by an Iranian delegation to Nimroz, aimed at deepening economic cooperation and boosting cross-border trade.
Mojib Hassani, Deputy for Economic Coordination and Regional Development in Sistan and Baluchestan, said the visit produced significant outcomes, particularly in expanding small-scale trade, activating border markets, and strengthening bilateral economic ties, IRNA news agency reported.
He noted that Iran is fully prepared to launch local border markets in Shahgol, Milak, and Gomshad, but implementation will depend on readiness from the Afghan side. According to Hassani, the necessary infrastructure has already been completed on Iran’s side of the border.
Trade through official crossings remains ongoing, he said, with livestock imports among the key commodities exchanged—especially ahead of Eid al-Adha, when demand typically rises.
Hassani added that the 23-point framework was developed following the Afghan Minister of Commerce’s visit to Iran, with a strong focus on improving and expanding infrastructure to facilitate trade.
Among the early outcomes of the agreement is the construction of a temporary road linking two border markets, completed within a short timeframe and already contributing to increased trade flows.
He also confirmed Iran’s readiness to build a second border bridge, noting that some equipment has already been deployed. However, further progress on the project—currently around 30 percent complete—will require coordination with Afghan authorities.
Plans are also underway to install an X-ray scanning system at the border, with the process accelerated and expected to be finalized by the end of Jawza (June).
In addition, Hassani said broader infrastructure projects, including road expansion and rail development in the region, are being considered, though they will take time to implement.
He further highlighted efforts in Iran’s Chabahar Free Zone to facilitate Afghan traders, including the development of commercial storage facilities and the allocation of land for business use.
Iranian officials say these initiatives are part of a broader strategy to transform the shared border into a hub for sustainable economic cooperation between the two countries.
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