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Kazakhstan, Afghanistan strengthen industrial cooperation, plan new regional transit corridor

Minister Azizi welcomed Kazakhstan’s growing engagement, noting Afghanistan’s interest in attracting Kazakh investment in agriculture, energy, transport, mining, and construction.

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The third Kazakhstan–Afghanistan Business Forum and Afghan Goods Exhibition opened in Shymkent on October 28, bringing together more than 180 Afghan entrepreneurs and senior officials from both countries to boost trade, industrial collaboration, and humanitarian cooperation.

The event was attended by Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin and Afghanistan’s Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi, representing the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Both officials emphasized the growing economic potential between the two nations and their shared interest in deepening regional connectivity.

“Afghanistan is one of Kazakhstan’s key trading partners in South Asia. Our countries have significant potential for cooperation, not only bilaterally but also across the broader region,” Zhumangarin said at the opening ceremony.

Expanding trade and investment

According to Zhumangarin, bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and Afghanistan reached $545 million in 2024, with trade turnover totaling $336 million between January and August 2025.

Despite some fluctuations across sectors, exports of Kazakh wheat rose nearly threefold, sunflower oil exports increased over three times, and shipments of petroleum products and trucks doubled.

Kazakhstan expects to export around 9.6 million tons of wheat this year, reaffirming its readiness to expand supplies of grain, flour, rice, and sugar to Afghanistan. “These production increases are the result of modern agricultural technologies and strong logistical support,” Zhumangarin added.

Minister Azizi welcomed Kazakhstan’s growing engagement, noting Afghanistan’s interest in attracting Kazakh investment in agriculture, energy, transport, mining, and construction.

Industrial and mining cooperation

The forum placed special emphasis on joint ventures in metallurgy, automotive manufacturing, and building materials. Kazakhstan expressed readiness to increase exports of rail locomotives, trucks, and industrial equipment to Afghanistan.

Following a geological mission earlier this year, Kazakhmys has begun work in Afghanistan’s Laghman Province, while ERG Exploration is negotiating data access to participate in new mining projects.

Humanitarian cooperation

Kazakhstan reaffirmed its ongoing humanitarian commitment to Afghanistan. A medical team of Kazakh doctors is preparing to travel to assist earthquake-affected areas, while in September, Kazakhstan dispatched 26 railcars of humanitarian aid, including food, medicines, and warm clothing.

CASA transit corridor and regional integration

During bilateral discussions, both sides reviewed plans to develop the Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan (CASA) transit corridor, including a proposed rail link between Herat and Turgundi. The route, connecting to Karachi Port and the North–South corridor, aims to provide Afghanistan with access to the Persian Gulf and Indian markets, creating a new trade axis between Central and South Asia.

The Afghan delegation also visited the construction site of the Central Asia International Center for Industrial Cooperation (CAIC) in Kazakhstan’s Turkistan region, where seven projects have already been approved for development. Delegates later toured the Eco-Culture industrial greenhouse complex, set to become a model for future agri-industrial collaboration between the two countries.

This latest forum underscored the growing momentum in Kazakhstan–Afghanistan relations, highlighting shared goals in economic resilience, industrial expansion, and regional trade integration.

International Sports

ATN secures broadcast rights for four major AFC sporting events

Fans in Afghanistan will be able to follow high-profile clashes between Asia’s football powerhouses live on Ariana Television.

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Ariana Television Network (ATN) has secured the exclusive media rights in Afghanistan to broadcast four major Asian Football Confederation (AFC) competitions, strengthening its sports portfolio and expanding access to top-tier regional football for Afghan audiences.

The tournaments will be broadcast from this month and will run through January and February 2026. Broadcasting dates and times still have to be finalized but details will be provided to fans as soon as possible.

Headlining the lineup is the AFC Champions League Elite 2025–26, Asia’s premier club competition. The tournament features the continent’s strongest teams and star players, following a revamped elite format designed to raise the level of competition and global appeal.

Fans in Afghanistan will be able to follow high-profile clashes between Asia’s football powerhouses live on Ariana Television.

ATN will also broadcast the 2025–26 AFC Champions League Two, the continent’s secondary club competition that provides emerging clubs with a major international platform. This tournament plays a crucial role in developing competitive depth across Asian football and offers fans a chance to watch rising teams and talents from across the region.

International football takes center stage with the AFC U23 Asian Cup, set to kick off on 6 January 2026. The tournament is one of Asia’s most important youth competitions, showcasing the next generation of football stars and often serving as a pathway to senior national teams and Olympic qualification.

Coverage of the event will give Afghan viewers insight into the future of Asian football.

Rounding out the package is the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026, the continent’s flagship futsal tournament. Known for its fast pace, technical brilliance, and passionate fan following, the competition brings together Asia’s best futsal nations and is a key qualifier for global futsal events.

With these acquisitions, ATN reaffirms its commitment to delivering premium international sports content to viewers across Afghanistan.

Fans are encouraged to follow Ariana News and Ariana Television Network websites and social media platforms for the latest updates, schedules, and coverage details on these exciting events.

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Deputy Interior Minister Ibrahim Sadr urges purge of security ranks in Panjshir

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Ibrahim Sadr, Deputy Minister for Security Affairs at the Ministry of Interior, led a high-level delegation to Panjshir province, where he met with local officials, religious scholars, tribal elders, and community representatives.

During the visit, Sadr said that the victory of the Islamic Emirate was the result of the major sacrifices made by the IEA forces and the full cooperation of the people. He noted that sincere intentions, obedience to leadership directives, the trust of religious scholars, and strong public support were among the key factors behind the Emirate’s success.

The deputy interior minister stressed that the time has now come for the Islamic Emirate to stand alongside the people, address their concerns, and provide essential services. He urged local authorities to regularly visit districts, engage directly with residents, and resolve their problems in a timely manner.

Sadr also emphasized the need to purge the ranks of the security forces, stating that individuals and figures who do not serve the system or the public, and who contribute to discord and corruption, must be removed from the security services. He added that adherence to official uniforms and the reform of conduct and appearance in accordance with Islamic tradition are mandatory for all personnel.

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Afghanistan to establish independent oil and gas authority

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Noorulhaq Anwar, Director General of Administrative Affairs, announced on Sunday that the Islamic Emirate has approved plans to create an independent oil and gas authority.

He stated on X that the Administrative Commission has been instructed to consolidate eight previously fragmented units operating in the oil and gas sector into the new authority.

Anwar emphasized that this move aims to enhance integration, organization, efficiency, transparency, and coordination in oil and gas production and imports. He added that the initiative will benefit the Islamic Emirate, investors, consumers, and the wider public.

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