Business
China fast becoming a lucrative market for Afghan carpets
China is fast becoming a lucrative market for Afghan products, including handmade carpets, pine nuts and other goods.
Speaking to China’s Xinhua news agency, one carpet weaver in Kabul, Safiullah, said he is trying to produce as many carpets as possible for the Chinese market.
“The demand for hand-woven and high-quality carpets is on a constant rise in the [Chinese] market,” Safiullah told Xinhua, suggesting that the promotion of the art of carpet weaving could help low-income families improve their living conditions.
Safiullah’s impoverished family sees this as a great chance to overcome their economic hardship thanks to China, considered one of the most suitable markets for Afghan products.
Following the launch of a direct flight between Kabul and the northwestern city of Urumqi in China, trade between the two countries is expected to increase – including the trade of carpets.
“Export of Afghan carpets to China has significantly increased, leading us to sell more carpets and thus facilitating us to hire more workers in the industry,” Sayed Bilal Farooqi, a member of the Afghan Carpet Union, told Xinhua.
Afghanistan, according to the Union of Carpet Producers and Exporters, has exported more than one million square meters of carpets to China over the past two years.
Like carpets, pine nuts have also become a major export item of Afghanistan. The Ministry of Economy estimates that the government will earn about $2 billion annually from pine nut exports, mainly to China, within the next few years.
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.
Deputy PM Baradar urges world to expand economic ties with IEA instead of sanctions
Karzai urges reopening of girls’ schools and universities for Afghanistan’s bright future
Pakistan court hands Imran Khan, wife 17-year jail terms in another graft case
Amid strained Pakistan ties, Afghanistan turns to India for health cooperation
Pezeshkian pledges to facilitate Iran-Afghanistan trade
Afghanistan U19 cricket team defeats India A U19
Afghanistan economy under pressure as Pakistan shocks reshape trade flows
Gaza death toll tops 70,000, health ministry says
India set to establish pharmaceutical factories in Afghanistan: MoIC
Afghanistan offers tax breaks, free land to attract Indian investors
Tawsia: India’s enthusiasm for investing in Afghanistan discussed
Tahawol: Global concerns over migration escalation discussed
Saar: Calls for Afghanistan’s balanced, economy-oriented foreign policy discussed
Tahawol: Discussion on regional countries’ meetings on Afghanistan
Saar: Regional efforts to address Afghanistan-Pakistan issues discussed
-
Latest News4 days agoIEA supreme leader stresses enforcement of Sharia law and sincere public service
-
Sport4 days agoILT20: Sharjah Warriorz secure 11-run victory over Gulf Giants
-
International Sports3 days agoIPL 2026: Teams take shape after auction as franchises balance star power and depth
-
Business4 days agoAfghanistan, India discuss expanding investment opportunities
-
Sport4 days agoAbu Muslim Farah crowned champions of fifth season of Afghanistan Champions League
-
International Sports3 days agoILT20: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders end Desert Vipers’ unbeaten run in dramatic one-run win
-
Latest News4 days agoEU and IFC launch €5 million program to support Afghanistan’s private sector
-
Latest News4 days agoHigh-level Kyrgyz delegation arrives in Kabul