Business
Hundreds of factories face uncertain future amid ongoing economic crisis
Afghan businessmen on Thursday warned that hundreds of factories will be forced to close down if the US and the international community continue to impose economic sanctions against Afghanistan.
These sanctions include the freezing of over $9 billion in foreign reserves, by the US Treasury and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), four months ago.
Businessmen said their biggest problem is their inability to buy raw materials.
“We can’t tolerate the situation; the world is being cruel to Afghans. We will lodge complaints to the UN for our rights to be upheld,” said Sherbaz Kaminzada, head of the Chamber of Mines and Industries.
Businessmen also said that of the $9 billion in frozen foreign reserves, $2,5 billion of that is private sector money. They also blamed the international community for the current crisis in Afghanistan.
“We and the people of Afghanistan know who created problems, and want them to resolve the problems themselves,” said Sakhi Ahmad Paiman, deputy head of the Chamber of Mines and Industries.
Officials from logistics companies said that national and international organizations owe the sector billions of dollars.
“We served Afghanistan and provided services, our payments are outstanding because foreign reserves have been frozen. We hope that the money will be released soon,” said one logistics company employee, Mohammad Baz Ghairat.
Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) officials said the international community is to blame for the economic crisis in the country.
“We called on the international community many times, but they have blocked Afghanistan’s assets; Afghans need it now,” said Inamullah Samangani, deputy spokesman for the IEA, adding that they are being blamed for something the US created.
Economic analysts on the other hand said that the US should release Afghanistan’s assets and provide opportunities for Afghan businessmen.
“We see problems growing day by day, the international community is the cause of this. They imposed sanctions against Afghanistan’s economic mechanism; they are responsible,” said Sayed Azim Mangal, an analyst.
Businessmen said if the sanctions are not lifted soon, they will appeal to the international courts to resolve the problem.
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.
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.
Business
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.
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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