Business
Baradar inaugurates $68 million wind and solar power projects in Herat
Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, on Saturday inaugurated two power generation projects in Herat province with an investment of approximately $68 million dollars.
In a statement released by the deputy PM’s office, these two projects include a wind power plant with a capacity of 43.2 megawatts and a solar power plant with a capacity of 5 megawatts.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Baradar said: “Today, we are witnessing the inauguration of two major wind and solar power projects in Herat. This is considered a significant achievement in the expansion, modernization, and self-sufficiency of the country’s energy sector.”
He added that these projects will not only reduce Afghanistan’s reliance on imported electricity but will also provide opportunities for environmental protection, sustainable energy, and the promotion of modern technologies.
Baradar emphasized that Afghanistan has long been dependent on imported electricity, and a significant portion of the national budget is spent annually on purchasing it.
According to him, imported electricity is costly and not a reliable or beneficial solution in the long term.
He added that the Islamic Emirate is focused on the optimal utilization of domestic resources in the electricity sector and is making serious efforts in this regard.
He stated that these projects will not only enhance the country’s electricity generation capacity but will also pave the way for economic development, job creation, encouragement of domestic and foreign investment, and expansion of infrastructure.
Baradar reassured all domestic and foreign investors that IEA has created favorable conditions for investment across various sectors in Afghanistan, particularly in the energy sector, and has ensured a transparent and secure environment.
He also called on the contracting companies involved in the projects to execute the work in accordance with approved standards.
Over $64 million is being invested in the 43.2-megawatt wind power project, and approximately $3.5 million in the 5-megawatt solar power project by the private sector in partnership with Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), the deputy PM’s office said.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that Tehran will facilitate trade and economic exchanges with Afghanistan, including easing procedures at customs and local marketplaces.
He made the remarks during a televised interview following his visit to South Khorasan province, which shares a border with Afghanistan.
Pezeshkian, in a separate event addressing local business leaders, highlighted the province’s strategic advantages, citing its rich mineral resources, proximity to neighboring countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, and access to the ocean via the Chabahar port. He described the region as “a golden opportunity not found everywhere,” emphasizing its potential for economic growth and cross-border commerce.
A Kazakh delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Finance of Kazakhstan met with Sediqullah Khalid, First Deputy Governor of Da Afghanistan Bank, to discuss ways of strengthening banking and economic cooperation between the two countries.
According to a statement issued by Da Afghanistan Bank, Khalid said the central bank is keen to establish regular and effective banking relations with Kazakhstan as part of broader efforts to expand bilateral trade.
He noted that enhanced banking cooperation would help facilitate trade, investment, and wider economic interaction between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan, while also contributing to financial stability at the regional level.
Members of the Kazakh delegation also emphasized the importance of developing banking and economic ties and expressed their readiness to expand joint cooperation.
The two sides further agreed to establish technical committees from both countries to hold expert-level discussions and advance practical steps for cooperation.
Business
Afghanistan, Kazakhstan envoys discuss expanding trade and regional connectivity
Ambassador Shakeeb thanked Kazakhstan for its continued support and constructive engagement with Afghanistan, particularly in efforts aimed at peace and economic development.
Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, has met with Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin, to explore ways to strengthen bilateral relations and advance regional cooperation.
The two envoys exchanged views on Afghanistan–Kazakhstan ties, regional connectivity, and major infrastructure initiatives, as well as the opportunities and challenges facing regional trade. Discussions also touched on Kazakhstan’s role in promoting regional stability and other matters of mutual interest.
Ambassador Shakeeb thanked Kazakhstan for its continued support and constructive engagement with Afghanistan, particularly in efforts aimed at peace and economic development.
He expressed hope that the proposed $3 billion joint trade agreement, once finalized, would bring tangible benefits to both countries and contribute to broader regional economic integration.
Ambassador Kistafin reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s support for stability and economic growth in Afghanistan, highlighting his country’s involvement in key regional connectivity and trade projects.
He said the current security and stability situation in Afghanistan has increased Kazakhstan’s confidence in expanding regional trade and transit, and praised the efforts of the Islamic Emirate in this regard.
He also stressed the need for coordinated regional efforts to ensure lasting stability, sustainable economic development, and the smooth movement of goods and transit across the region.
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