Business
Pashdan dam inaugurated, marking a milestone in Afghanistan’s economic development
Abdul Latif Mansoor, the Minister of Water and Energy, wrote on his X page that this dam was constructed at a cost of $117 million dollars from the country’s national budget.
In a significant step toward bolstering Afghanistan’s water management and agricultural infrastructure, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, on August 14, 2025 – officially inaugurated the Pashdan Dam in Karukh District of Herat Province.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy PM Baradar highlighted that the inauguration coincides with the fourth anniversary of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s return to power—a period he described as marked by substantial achievements in implementing Islamic Sharia and advancing political and economic priorities.
“Last year, I pledged that the Islamic Emirate would complete the remaining works of the Pashdan Dam with full capacity. Today, I am proud to say that promise has been fulfilled,” he stated.
The Deputy PM emphasized the strategic importance of the dam for Herat Province, noting its potential to mitigate drought, support local farmers, and strengthen food security. He underscored that past occupations had left Afghanistan’s economy stagnant and heavily reliant on conditional foreign aid, but the Islamic Emirate is committed to building a self-reliant national economy.
Baradar also stressed that the Islamic Emirate supports both national and regional economic projects, citing the progress of the TAPI gas pipeline project in Herat as an example of fostering regional cooperation and stability. He reiterated the government’s policy of prudent natural resource management, ensuring respect for the rights of neighboring nations while using water resources to reduce poverty, unemployment, and migration.
Calling on investors, both domestic and international, the Deputy PM encouraged capital inflows not only into water and agriculture but also into other key economic sectors.
The Pashdan Dam project, now fully operational, boasts the capacity to store 54 million cubic meters of water, irrigate 13,000 hectares of agricultural land, and produce two megawatts of electricity, creating thousands of job opportunities.
Concluding his remarks, Deputy PM Baradar congratulated the Afghan people and expressed gratitude to government officials, engineers, technical staff, and laborers whose collective efforts made the project’s completion possible.
Abdul Latif Mansoor, the Minister of Water and Energy, wrote on his X page that this dam was constructed at a cost of $117 million dollars from the country’s national budget.
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.
Business
Mahirood Customs leads Iran’s exports to Afghanistan
More than 1.5 million tonnes of goods were exported to Afghanistan through the border crossing during this period.
Mahirood Customs in South Khorasan province has become Iran’s main export gateway to Afghanistan, accounting for 36 percent of the country’s total exports to its eastern neighbor, Iranian officials said.
South Khorasan Governor Seyed Mohammadreza Hashemi told local media that Mahirood ranked first among Iran’s 71 active customs points during the first eight months of the current Iranian year.
More than 1.5 million tonnes of goods were exported to Afghanistan through the border crossing during this period.
Official customs figures show that Iran’s total exports to Afghanistan exceeded 4.26 million tonnes in the first eight months of the year, with Mahirood handling the largest share, Hashemi said.
He attributed the strong performance to South Khorasan’s strategic location, improved border infrastructure, effective planning, close cooperation with traders, and coordinated efforts by government agencies.
Hashemi said the expansion of exports via Mahirood Customs is contributing to economic growth, job creation, and stronger economic diplomacy for the province.
He added that continued support for exporters and streamlined customs procedures could further increase South Khorasan’s share of the Afghan market and other target markets in the future.
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