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Afghanistan’s 2026 Development Framework meeting highlights self-reliance and economic stability

The Ministry said these measures helped preserve relative economic stability and deliver stronger economic growth compared with the previous year.

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The Ministry of Economy of Afghanistan says a coordination meeting on the United Nations’ 2026 Development Framework for Afghanistan was held under the chairmanship of Qari Din Mohammad Hanif, Minister of Economy, focusing on advancing national development priorities and long-term economic stability.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), heads of UN agencies operating in the country, delegates from the European Union, and a range of international organizations.

During the session, the Minister of Economy outlined Afghanistan’s current situation, recent achievements, and key economic priorities, while expressing appreciation for the continued support of international partners during challenging years.

According to the Ministry, Afghanistan faced severe economic, social, and climate-related pressures in 2025.

These included the impacts of climate change and natural disasters, the forced return of more than two million Afghan migrants from neighboring countries, ongoing sanctions, frozen foreign reserves, and a sharp decline in development and humanitarian assistance. Together, these factors have significantly affected the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.

Despite these challenges, the Islamic Emirate has implemented a series of economic and development programs centered on prudent policymaking and national priorities.

The Ministry said these measures helped preserve relative economic stability and deliver stronger economic growth compared with the previous year.

Improved economic governance, support for domestic production and the private sector, exchange rate stability, export growth, national infrastructure projects, inflation control, and increased domestic revenues were cited as key contributors.

The Ministry also highlighted the role of the United Nations in addressing urgent humanitarian needs, noting that UN assistance has been critical in responding to climate impacts, supporting migrants and returnees, strengthening food security and livelihoods, delivering basic health services, and reducing overall human suffering.

Data from the Ministry of Economy show that around $1.009 billion in international assistance was allocated to Afghanistan in 2025 across various sectors, with approximately $590 million earmarked for project expenditures. However, figures from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs indicate a significant drop in humanitarian funding, with only 36 percent of the $2.4 billion required having been secured.

The Ministry emphasized that sustainable economic stability can only be achieved through self-reliance, growth-driven economic policies, and constructive engagement with the international community.

Afghanistan’s Development Strategy, a long-term framework developed under the leadership of the Economic Deputy of the Prime Minister and coordinated by the Ministry of Economy, aims to promote balanced development, job creation, poverty reduction, infrastructure expansion, private sector support, and environmental protection.

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Afghanistan steps in to replace Iran in supplying fruits and vegetables to Russia

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Afghanistan is preparing to increase exports of fruits and vegetables to Russia following a temporary ban by Iran on food exports, Russian media reported citing Rustam Khabibullin, head of the Russian Business Center in Afghanistan.

On March 3, the Iranian government announced an indefinite suspension of all food and agricultural exports to prioritize domestic food security amid ongoing regional conflict. Goods that were previously destined for Russian retailers are now being redirected to Iranian state reserves.

In response, Afghanistan has already dispatched its first shipment of 100 tons of apples to Russia. Shipments of peppers, dried fruits, nuts, celery, zucchini, eggplant, citrus, berries, herbs, and melons are being prepared for delivery in the coming weeks. Khabibullin noted that demand from Russia is growing, and Afghan exporters aim to meet the rising requests to prevent shortages and stabilize prices for consumers.

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Ministry of Public Works: Railway transport operating smoothly across all ports

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The Ministry of Public Works has confirmed that railway transport through Afghanistan’s four main ports is running normally, with no disruptions reported.

According to the ministry, 127,650 metric tons of goods—including oil, non-oil items, and other materials—were transported via the railway last week (27 February–3 March). Shipments by port were as follows:

  • Hairatan: 88,186 tons
  • Aqina: 10,769 tons
  • Torkhandi: 14,123 tons
  • Khaf–Herat: 14,572 tons

Exports accounted for 265 tons, mainly dried fruits and mineral stones.

The Minister of Public Works has directed port officials and provincial department heads to ensure additional support and facilities for traders transporting essential and food items during these sensitive times.

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Mujahid: Trade with Iran through Khaf–Herat railway operating normally

He urged national traders to refrain from unjustified price increases in order to maintain market stability.

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Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, has announced that commercial transportation through the Khaf–Herat railway is continuing without interruption.

According to Mujahid, all relevant departments overseeing the railway are carrying out their routine operations, and there have been no delays in the movement of commercial goods.

He confirmed that a freight train carrying commercial goods has arrived at the Rozanak station in Herat province, transporting 42 wagons of cement and two wagons of MDF boards.

Another cargo train carrying food and fuel supplies is expected to arrive later.

Mujahid also noted that, based on information from Iranian railway authorities, around 900 wagons currently in Iran are en route to Afghanistan and will enter the country as scheduled.

He urged national traders to refrain from unjustified price increases in order to maintain market stability.

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