Business
Afghanistan’s domestic pharmaceutical production sees major growth: Mullah Baradar
Officials attending the exhibition said 134 pharmaceutical manufacturing factories are currently operating across Afghanistan, producing around 1,170 types of medicines.
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar on Tuesday announced a significant increase in Afghanistan’s domestic pharmaceutical production, saying local manufacturers are now supplying a much larger share of the country’s medicine demand.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the second national and international Abu Ali Sina Balkhi specialized exhibition in Kabul, Baradar said strengthening domestic production is one of the most effective ways to counter economic pressure and sanctions.
According to him, a decline in imports of foreign medicines in recent months has helped accelerate growth in Afghanistan’s pharmaceutical sector, while public trust in locally produced medicines has also increased.
“Today, a considerable portion of the country’s pharmaceutical needs is being supplied through domestic production,” Baradar said.
He noted, however, that despite recent progress, Afghan pharmaceutical factories still need to improve production standards and expand output in line with international requirements.
Baradar also called on traders to avoid hoarding medicines or selling them at inflated prices, urging relevant authorities to take firm action against such practices.
The deputy prime minister invited both domestic and foreign investors to invest in Afghanistan, saying the Islamic Emirate is working to simplify investment procedures and introduce electronic systems to facilitate business operations.
He added that the Islamic Emirate is not only focused on strengthening the domestic economy but is also seeking to expand regional and international economic ties.
According to Baradar, economic engagement with neighboring and regional countries has increased in recent months.
Officials attending the exhibition said 134 pharmaceutical manufacturing factories are currently operating across Afghanistan, producing around 1,170 types of medicines.
They added that nearly $450 million has been invested in the sector so far, and domestic production now meets 38 percent of the country’s pharmaceutical demand — up from 25 percent just eight months ago.
The Abu Ali Sina Balkhi specialized exhibition, which features dozens of pharmaceutical companies, will continue for four days in Kabul.
Business
Afghanistan and Uzbekistan agree on export of 100,000 tons of Bamyan potatoes
Cooperation between the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment and the Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce has paved the way for exporting potatoes from Bamyan province to the Uzbek market.
In this regard, Sayed Karim Hashemi, President of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, and Doran Vahabov, President of the Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce, have agreed on the export of 100,000 tons of Bamyan potatoes to Uzbekistan. Work is underway to finalize the export agreement.
Meanwhile, the first shipment of potatoes, consisting of eight trucks, has departed for the Uzbek city of Termez through the Hairatan Port.
The chambers of commerce of both countries, in cooperation with local authorities in Bamyan, have facilitated connections between traders and farmers and coordinated the purchasing, marketing, and transportation of the produce. This initiative is expected to expand market opportunities for Bamyan farmers and strengthen trade between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.
Business
Afghan deputy commerce minister travels to India for trade fair in Delhi
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.
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