Business
Direct flights between Afghanistan-China resume after three years

Direct flights between Afghanistan and China resumed on Wednesday when an Ariana Airlines plane left Kabul for Urumqi, China.
Officials of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation say that the start of direct flights between Afghanistan and China will have a positive effect on the country’s economic and trade relations.
The head of Ariana Airlines Rahmatullah Aghan says that the company plans to purchase more planes in the near future.
The head of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment Mohmmad Younos Mohmmand says that the Islamic Emirate will create a trade market for the Chinese in Afghanistan.
The Chinese consul general in Kabul said that economic and trade relations with Afghanistan are developing day by day.
He added that the level of trade between the two countries is more than one billion dollars annually and there are good opportunities for Afghan businessmen in China. He also said facilities have been created in Afghanistan for Chinese businessmen and investors.
However, the officials of the Chinese embassy in Kabul say that currently the amount of trade between Afghanistan and China reaches one billion US dollars.
The consul of the Chinese Embassy in Kabul, says that: “We resumed the flight from Kabul to Urumqi, and I see this as progress in Afghanistan-China relations, which both countries are committed to further strengthening.”
This Chinese diplomat adds that in the meeting of the foreign ministers of China, Pakistan and Afghanistan held in Islamabad, it was emphasized on the development of economic relations with Afghanistan and the strengthening of trade cooperation and the connection of Afghanistan, as well as the initiation of infrastructure projects in cooperation with the countries of the region, and it was also agreed that Trade relations between these three countries should be further strengthened.
Business
Afghanistan, Turkey to boost carpet industry ties and expand exports to Europe
Both sides underscored the cultural and economic value of Afghan carpets, recognizing them as a national symbol and one of Afghanistan’s most valuable export commodities.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Afghanistan has announced a renewed commitment to enhancing cooperation between Afghanistan and Turkey in the carpet industry, with a particular focus on boosting Afghan carpet exports to European markets via Turkey.
During a meeting held in Kabul, Acting Minister of Commerce and Industry, Nooruddin Azizi, met with Ahmet Diler, President of the Turkish Carpet Union, and his accompanying delegation.
The discussion centered on strengthening joint efforts in the carpet sector and utilizing Turkey’s trade infrastructure to facilitate Afghan carpet access to European consumers.
According to the official statement, the meeting was also attended by leaders of the Afghan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Union.
Both sides underscored the cultural and economic value of Afghan carpets, recognizing them as a national symbol and one of Afghanistan’s most valuable export commodities.
Diler praised the high quality of Afghan carpets and noted their positive influence on Turkey’s own carpet industry.
He stated: “With around 500 members, the Turkish Carpet Union is ready to support Afghanistan’s carpet sector and to encourage necessary investments in this area.”
In response, Azizi reiterated the exceptional quality and national importance of Afghan carpets.
He emphasized that closer cooperation between the carpet unions of both countries, along with a reduction in tariffs on Afghan carpets by the Turkish government, would significantly ease their export to Europe—bringing economic benefits to both nations.
Azizi also expressed Afghanistan’s willingness to actively engage in joint marketing campaigns, promotional initiatives, website and exhibition development, cultural awareness programs, and trade missions.
Furthermore, he proposed the launch of a collaborative initiative among major carpet-producing countries—particularly Afghanistan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan, the latter having a dedicated Ministry of Carpets—to promote global appreciation for handwoven carpets.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Afghan and Turkish carpet unions signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during Diler’s official visit to Kabul, marking a formal commitment to advancing joint activities and strengthening sectoral cooperation.
The Turkish delegation’s visit was extended at the official invitation of the Afghan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Union and is seen as a significant step toward deepening commercial and cultural ties between the two countries.
Business
World Bank clarifies role in payments for Afghanistan projects
The World Bank said the payments concern outstanding debts owed by the former government of Afghanistan to contractors hired under World Bank-financed projects.

The World Bank said on Monday that payments being made to contractors for projects in Afghanistan related to work done prior to the collapse of the former government and that this was money owed to them.
The World Bank said the payments concern outstanding debts owed by the former government of Afghanistan to contractors hired under World Bank-financed projects.
These contractors completed their work before August 15, 2021, the World Bank said.
The contracts were made between the Afghan government and the contractors, making the government responsible for these payments, not the World Bank.
The World Bank said however it is helping to facilitate the payment process on an exceptional basis after thorough validation and independent verification.
The Bank is not a party to the contracts.
The institution said recent statements about this process and technical coordination reflect progress but noted that no restart of previous projects has been discussed or agreed upon.
Business
India allows entry of 160 Afghan trucks via Pakistan border

A day after a rare phone call between Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India has allowed 160 trucks carrying Afghan goods to enter through the Wagah border with Pakistan.
The trucks had been held up due to heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The conversation between Muttaqi and Jaishankar marks the highest-level political contact between New Delhi and the Islamic Emirate since its return to power in Kabul in 2021.
Although India has yet to formally recognize the Islamic Emirate as the official government of Afghanistan, it is reportedly exploring options to resume stalled development projects in Afghanistan and deepen cooperation in specific sectors.
According to The Times of India, Indian officials are also considering the possibility of extending humanitarian assistance to Afghan refugees recently deported from Pakistan.
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