Business
US issues new general license on Afghanistan financial transactions
The US Treasury on Friday issued a new general license allowing international aid organizations and private firms to conduct commercial and financial transactions with Afghan government institutions.
The new license represents a shift in US policy that had impeded ordinary commerce with Afghan government agencies headed by US sanctioned Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) and Haqqani Network leaders since they came into power in August, Reuters reported.
The new license maintains prohibitions on transactions with sanctioned leaders and other blocked individuals and excludes transfers of luxury items.
The license makes clear “that while sanctions on the Taliban (IEA) remain in place, this action facilitates the private companies and aid organizations working with governing Afghan institutions and paying customs duties, fees and taxes,” a senior administration official told reporters on a conference call.
The new license is part of what US officials said are ongoing US efforts to help contain an economic collapse that quickened in August when Washington and other donors cut financial aid underpinning 75 percent of Afghanistan’s public spending.
“Our action today recognizes that in light of this dire crisis, it is essential that we address concerns that sanctions inhibit commercial and financial activity,” Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said in a statement.
The license, signed and published by the US Treasury Department on Friday, stated: “Authorizing Transactions Involving Afghanistan or Governing Institutions in Afghanistan (a) To the extent authorization is required and except as provided in paragraph (b) of this general license, all transactions involving Afghanistan or governing institutions in Afghanistan prohibited by the Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 594 (GTSR), the Foreign Terrorist Organizations Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 597 (FTOSR), or Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended, are authorized.”
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of Treasury explained that the new license, GL 20, “authorizes financial transfers to or involving all governing institutions in Afghanistan — including but not limited to the DAB (Central Bank), Ministry of Education, Ministry of Energy and Water, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, and Ministry of Public Health — or to or involving state-owned or -controlled companies and enterprises in Afghanistan, including Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), provided there are no financial transfers to the Taliban (IEA), the Haqqani Network, any entity in which the Taliban (IEA) or the Haqqani Network owns, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, a 50 percent or greater interest, or any blocked individual who is in a leadership role of a governing institution in Afghanistan,”
Examples of activities authorized by GL 20 includes “commercial transactions involving Afghanistan, including imports from Afghanistan, exports to Afghanistan, and commercial transactions within or involving the geographical territory of Afghanistan.”
It also includes “dealings with state-owned or -controlled companies and enterprises in Afghanistan, including the electrical utility Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS).”
Other inclusions are as follows:
- Payment of taxes, fees, or import duties, or the purchase or receipt of permits, licenses, or public utility services, provided that such payments do not relate to luxury items or services;
- Financial institutions’ processing of transactions to, from, or transiting Afghanistan, including clearing, settlement, and transfers through, to, or otherwise involving privately owned and state-owned Afghan banks;
- Financial and professional services related to economic activity in Afghanistan;
- Activities related to infrastructure maintenance or development in Afghanistan, including water, sanitation, energy, electricity, and public utilities;
- Activities related to the development, maintenance, and operation of civilian transportation in Afghanistan, including safety and maintenance operations for civilian transportation in Afghanistan, including air traffic services, air navigation services, other transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to operations or use of airports, ground and landside operations, and rail or road construction or maintenance;
- Transactions with respect to the receipt and transmission of telecommunications, mail, or parcels involving Afghanistan;
- Importation from and exportation to Afghanistan of any information or informational materials;
For the full explanation CLICK HERE
Business
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan target Afghanistan in push to expand regional trade
According to Uzbek media, the initiative was discussed during the Uzbek-Kazakh Business Forum in Tashkent.
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are seeking to deepen economic cooperation and jointly expand into new regional markets, including Afghanistan, as part of broader efforts to strengthen trade and investment across Central Asia and the Middle East.
According to Uzbek media, the initiative was discussed during the Uzbek-Kazakh Business Forum in Tashkent, where business leaders and trade associations from both countries explored opportunities to promote their products in third-country markets, particularly Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq.
Afghanistan featured prominently in the discussions, with participants noting that Kazakhstan’s exports to Afghanistan reached nearly $500 million during the first seven months of 2025—almost matching the country’s total exports to Afghanistan for all of 2024. Officials said the long-term goal is to increase exports to $3 billion.
The forum also highlighted growing imports of mineral raw materials from Afghanistan. Participants discussed a proposed agreement to supply Afghan zinc ore to the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex in Uzbekistan.
Beyond Afghanistan, delegates examined emerging business opportunities in Syria and Iraq, where reconstruction efforts are expected to drive demand for food products, construction materials and industrial goods.
The forum also focused on improving regional logistics. Officials discussed using available capacity on Turkish freight trucks transiting Uzbekistan, a move expected to reduce transport costs and improve access to regional markets.
At the conclusion of the forum, both sides agreed to organise joint business missions to third-country markets, including Aleppo, Syria, in late September and Erbil, Iraq, in early October, with the aim of strengthening commercial partnerships and identifying new investment opportunities.
The discussions reflect growing economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan as both countries seek to expand regional connectivity, diversify exports and strengthen trade links with neighbouring markets, including Afghanistan.
Business
Uzbekistan’s Fergana region strengthens economic ties with Afghanistan
The meeting followed a Fergana delegation’s visit to Afghanistan on July 26-27, during which officials and business representatives held talks in Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif.
Uzbekistan’s Fergana region is moving to deepen economic cooperation with Afghanistan after officials and business leaders agreed to fast-track joint investment projects and expand bilateral trade.
According to a statement from the Fergana Regional Administration, Governor Khayrullo Bozorov met with leading Afghan business figures, including Emerald Diamond Trading Director Abdul Hamid Anyuri, Kam Air Director Atilla Azimi, Tojmahal Petroleum Director Abdul Latif Nawruzi, and their regional partners to discuss practical measures for strengthening economic ties.
The meeting followed a Fergana delegation’s visit to Afghanistan on July 26-27, during which officials and business representatives held talks in Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif. The delegation also inaugurated Fergana Trade Houses in both cities to promote trade and commercial cooperation.
“The parties agreed to accelerate the implementation of joint investment projects, increase bilateral trade and elevate cooperation to a new level,” the regional administration said.
Discussions focused on turning agreements reached during the Afghanistan visit into practical projects, identifying new investment opportunities, and expanding trade between the two sides. Afghan business representatives expressed interest in working with Fergana companies in key sectors including trade, agriculture, aviation, energy and logistics, while presenting several new investment initiatives.
Bozorov reaffirmed Fergana’s commitment to strengthening economic relations with Afghanistan, saying the regional administration stands ready to support joint projects and create favourable conditions for closer business cooperation.
The regional administration said the meeting reflects growing momentum in economic engagement between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, with both sides seeking to expand cross-border trade, attract investment and develop new commercial partnerships as part of broader efforts to strengthen regional economic connectivity.
Business
Afghanistan invites Iranian investors to expand economic cooperation
Discussions focused on expanding private-sector cooperation, increasing joint investment, and boosting bilateral trade between the two countries.
Afghanistan has invited Iranian investors to explore business opportunities and participate in joint economic projects as the country seeks to strengthen investment and trade ties with its western neighbor.
Kamaluddin Tawhidi, head of the Afghanistan-Iran Joint Chamber of Commerce, made the appeal during a visit to Iran, where he attended the “Economic Cooperation Opportunities with Afghanistan” conference in Alborz Province, according to Iran’s state broadcaster.
Speaking at the event, Tawhidi highlighted Afghanistan’s investment potential and encouraged Iranian businesses to take advantage of opportunities across a range of economic sectors.
Discussions focused on expanding private-sector cooperation, increasing joint investment, and boosting bilateral trade between the two countries.
Tawhidi said stronger economic partnerships could create new business opportunities and support broader regional economic growth.
The meeting comes as Afghanistan continues efforts to attract foreign investment and deepen economic cooperation with neighboring countries.
Tahawol: Hamid Karzai’s call for Afghan reconciliation discussed
Saar: Preparations for IEA’s fifth anniversary discussed
Russian firm eyes investment in Afghanistan’s power plants
Syria sentences absent Bashar al-Assad to death over killings, torture
Abasin Defenders beat Shamshad Eagles by four wickets in Kabul Premier League
Pakistan’s governance system has ‘collapsed’: Mohsin Naqvi
Spain sweep FIFA World Cup player awards after historic triumph
Mango growers suffer heavy losses as exports fall and climate takes its toll
Countdown begins for inaugural Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League
Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan discuss expanding regional transit cooperation
Tahawol: Hamid Karzai’s call for Afghan reconciliation discussed
Saar: Preparations for IEA’s fifth anniversary discussed
Tahawol: Iran’s acknowledgment of Afghanistan’s cooperation discussed
Saar: Five years of Islamic Emirate rule in Afghanistan reviewed
Tahawol: Afghanistan: An Alternative to the Strait of Hormuz?
-
Sport3 days agoAfghanistan secure direct qualification for 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup
-
Regional4 days agoGoods transporters to go on strike from Saturday after talks with Pakistan govt fail
-
Latest News3 days agoPakistan-backed armed groups in Balochistan using former Afghan government forces: report
-
Sport4 days agoRashid Khan takes six as Afghanistan thrash Ireland by 92 runs
-
World4 days agoUS Senate passes Russia sanctions championed by Graham; US House next
-
Sport5 days agoAfghanistan ends continental futsal championship with dominant win over New Zealand
-
Business5 days agoUzbekistan, Kazakhstan target Afghanistan in push to expand regional trade
-
Regional5 days agoTrump says he thinks war with Iran will end ‘pretty soon’