Business
Pakistan’s trade delegation meets finance ministry officials in Kabul
Pakistan delegation discussed Tuesday with the finance officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) regarding bilateral trade issues at Serena Hotel in Kabul.
This delegation arrived in Kabul on Monday evening and had an introductory meeting with the officials of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, but the trade issues between the two countries will be discussed in three-day meetings.
Officials of the IEA said that the focus is more on the issue of coal export, adding that efforts are being made to find a solution to the existing problems so that the two countries can have commercial relations within the established framework.
“So far, this Pakistani delegation has met with the Deputy Minister of Commerce of Afghanistan and also discussed with the officials of the Ministry of Finance, and these discussions are still going on, but the details of the discussions have not been determined,” said Bilal Karimi, deputy spokesman of the IEA.
On the other hand, some economic experts said that the improvement of political and economic relations with regional and neighboring countries will lead the country towards economic convergence and these relations will increase investment in the country.
Pakistan delegation requested from the IEA officials to ease the coal exports while the price of this commodity has increased in the global market.
In the meantime, Geo news agency reported Tuesday that ahead of a Pakistani trade delegation’s visit to Kabul, the Islamic Emirate has raised the price of imported coal yet again.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently announced the import of coal from Afghanistan for power generation, claiming that it will save the country approximately $2 billion. He said that the coal from Afghanistan will be priced in rupees rather than dollars.
Following the announcement by the prime minister, the IEA raised the price of imported coal from $90 per ton to $200 per ton, Geo reported.
Geo citing Afghan media reports as saying, the IEA has raised the price of coal yet again, this time by $80 per ton.
Geo reported quoting Ismatullah Burhan, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Minerals and Petroleum, the new price of coal will be $280 per ton, with immediate effect.
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
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
Pakistan summons Afghan diplomat over deadly attack in North Waziristan
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