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A cordial and constructive meeting was held between the leadership delegation of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) and the leadership of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, focusing on expanding trade relations, strengthening economic cooperation, and creating new investment opportunities between Afghanistan and Turkey.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, who led the Afghan delegation. He was accompanied by Mr. Faiz Ahmad Khawafi, Deputy for Provincial Affairs of ACCI.

Highlighting the broad economic and trade potential of both countries, Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi emphasized the need to expand practical cooperation, strengthen institutional relations between the two chambers, and establish direct and sustainable connections among Afghan and Turkish traders, investors, and companies.

He noted that Turkey is one of Afghanistan’s important economic and trading partners and that the existing potential for expanding trade and investment between the two countries goes far beyond the current level of bilateral exchanges. Mr. Hashemi also emphasized the importance of exchanging business delegations, developing joint investments, and introducing Afghanistan’s economic opportunities to Turkish investors.

The two sides also discussed the participation of traders, companies, and producers from both countries in trade fairs and economic events. They emphasized that increased movement of traders and mutual participation in exhibitions could contribute to a better understanding of each other’s markets and help expand bilateral trade.

In this regard, the leadership of ACCI invited the leadership of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce to participate in the Imam Abu Hanifa (RH) International Exhibition in Afghanistan. The leadership of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce welcomed and accepted the invitation.

The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce leadership also proposed the development and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two chambers. The proposal was positively received and discussed by both sides. They emphasized the importance of establishing a structured and sustainable framework for expanding trade and economic cooperation.

The leadership of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce expressed its readiness to further expand economic and trade cooperation with Afghanistan, strengthen direct relations among economic stakeholders, and increase interaction between the private sectors of the two countries.

In the final part of the meeting, Mr. Faiz Ahmad Khawafi emphasized the importance of increasing direct communication between Afghan and Turkish traders and investors and creating opportunities for joint cooperation and investment between the private sectors of the two countries. He described increased business travel and the exchange of trade delegations as important factors in strengthening economic relations.

The meeting was held in a friendly atmosphere and received a warm welcome from the leadership of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce. Both sides emphasized the continuation of contacts, follow-up on the proposed MoU, increased movement of traders, mutual participation in exhibitions, and the expansion of economic and investment cooperation between Afghanistan and Turkey.

Saturday, August 22nd, 2026

Mr. Mirajan Sulaimankhel, Deputy for Policy and Government Relations of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), leading a delegation, met with Mr. Fereydoun Verdi Nejad, Secretary-General of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, and held discussions on expanding economic and trade cooperation.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Abdullah Rahimi, Mr. Zabihullah Samim, Mr. Hamidullah Habibi, and Mr. Mohammad Khalid Majid, members of the ACCI Board of Directors as well as Mr. Hesamuddin Abbas Hallaj, Deputy for Chamber Affairs of the Tehran Chamber and Mr. Iraj Rahbar, Head of the Tehran Chamber's Construction Commission.

At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Fereydoun Verdi Nejad welcomed the ACCI delegation and provided information on the activities and capacities of the Tehran Chamber. He described the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture as one of Iran's oldest chambers of commerce, with more than 140 years of experience, and emphasized the Chamber's readiness to expand economic and trade cooperation with Afghanistan.

Mr. Mirajan Sulaimankhel then provided information on the activities and structure of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, as well as the plans and vision of its leadership. He emphasized that ACCI is strongly committed to expanding and strengthening trade and economic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, particularly with the private sector of Tehran. He also highlighted the existing opportunities and challenges affecting the development of trade and investment between the two countries.

At the conclusion, both sides agreed to sign a cooperation memorandum of understanding between the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment and the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture. The MoU is expected to be signed during the visit of the Iranian business delegation to Kabul and its participation in the Fifth Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) Exhibition and Business Forum.

The two sides also agreed to establish a joint working group to follow up on agreements and matters of mutual interest, as well as to establish an Association of Afghan Traders in Iran and an Association of Iranian Traders in Afghanistan. The offices of these associations are expected to be established at the premises of the respective chambers of commerce and serve as a bridge between the private sectors of Afghanistan and Iran.

The meeting was considered an important step toward strengthening institutional relations between the chambers of commerce of the two countries, expanding private-sector cooperation, and creating new opportunities for joint trade and investment between Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Sunday, August 30, 2026

The official delegation of Qashqadaryo Province of the Republic of Uzbekistan, comprising government officials and businesspeople from the province, which arrived in Afghanistan on Saturday, met with the leadership of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) and a number of Afghan traders and investors at a business networking conference between the private sectors of Afghanistan and Qashqadaryo.

The delegation included Mr. Shahrat Muradov, Deputy Governor of Qashqadaryo Province, along with a number of officials and representatives of the province in the fields of trade, investment, and international relations.

The conference, held at Kabul Grand Hotel, consisted of two main parts: an official meeting between the leadership of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment and the Qashqadaryo delegation, followed by a Business-to-Business (B2B) networking session.

Meeting Between the Qashqadaryo Delegation and the Leadership of ACCI
During the first part of the program, the Uzbek delegation met with the leadership of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment and discussed the expansion of trade relations, joint investment, facilitation of business travel, and the creation of new areas of cooperation between the private sectors of the two sides.

Representing the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment were Mr. Arian Zalgai Azimi, Deputy for Investment; Mr. Abdul Nafi Barakzai, Deputy for Support of Domestic Production and Products; Mr. Mujib-ul-Rahman Shirzad, Deputy for Strategic Relations; Mr. Gulbahar Habibi, Deputy for Commerce; Mr. Obaidullah Hotak, Member of the Board of Directors; Mr. Zainullah Hassany, Deputy and Acting Head of the Executive Board; and Mr. Ahmad Shakil Hazim, Deputy for Technical Policy of the Executive Board.

Mr. Arian Zalgai Azimi, Deputy for Investment at the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, welcomed the Qashqadaryo delegation and emphasized the importance of expanding economic and trade relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.

He described Afghanistan’s geographical and economic position as an important opportunity for developing regional transit and trade networks, noting that Afghanistan can serve as a key route connecting Central Asia with South Asia and facilitate Uzbekistan’s access to regional and international markets.

The Deputy for Investment also emphasized the need to provide greater facilities for traders and investors from both countries and called on the Uzbek delegation to pay greater attention to facilitating the visa issuance process for Afghan traders and investors. He noted that facilitating business travel could increase direct contacts between the private sectors of the two countries and contribute to the expansion of economic cooperation.

Mr. Gulbahar Habibi, Deputy for Trade at the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, proposed holding a dedicated exhibition of Uzbek products and goods in Kabul and inviting Uzbek companies to participate in the Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) International Exhibition. He described such an exhibition as an excellent opportunity to introduce Uzbek products to Afghan traders, investors, and consumers and to contribute to the expansion of trade relations between the two countries.
Qashqadaryo Delegation Emphasizes Economic Cooperation

During the meeting, Mr. Shahrat Muradov, Deputy Governor of Qashqadaryo Province and head of the Uzbek delegation, expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and friendly treatment extended by Afghan officials and the private sector to the delegation.

He described the longstanding historical and friendly relations between the peoples of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, as well as the long history of trade interactions between the two countries, as important foundations for expanding economic cooperation. He stated that strengthening economic relations and business networking between the two countries could further consolidate friendly relations and create new opportunities for the private sectors of both sides.

Mr. Muradov highlighted Qashqadaryo’s economic potential, describing the province as one of Uzbekistan’s important economic centers. He noted that a significant portion of Uzbekistan’s oil and gas resources is located in Qashqadaryo. He also highlighted the province’s agricultural potential and referred to its significant wheat and cotton production during the past year.

The Deputy Governor of Qashqadaryo invited the leadership of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment to visit the province, explore its trade and investment opportunities and capacities, and examine ways to establish and facilitate joint cooperation and investment between the private sectors of the two sides.

Uzbek Ambassador Emphasizes Visa Facilitation
Mr. Aybek Usmanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Afghanistan, addressed the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment’s request for facilitating visa issuance for Afghan traders and investors. He stated that he had raised the matter with senior officials of his country and would work toward addressing the issue and finding an appropriate solution.

B2B Meeting Between Traders and Investors of the Two Countries
The second part of the program consisted of a Business-to-Business (B2B) networking session attended by Mr. Ahmadullah Zahid, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, as well as traders and investors from Afghanistan and Qashqadaryo.
Mr. Arian Zalgai Azimi, Deputy for Investment at the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, described direct B2B meetings between traders and investors of the two countries as an important opportunity to identify potential areas of cooperation, establish business relationships, explore investment opportunities, and develop joint partnerships.

Referring to Afghanistan’s economic capacities and resources, he identified agriculture, mining, industry, energy, transportation, and construction as important areas for investment. He emphasized that economic relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan should not remain limited to the buying and selling of goods and ordinary trade transactions.
The Deputy for Investment stressed that, by utilizing the economic potential and favorable geographical position of both countries, opportunities should be created for implementing major joint and infrastructure projects, while economic cooperation should be elevated from limited bilateral transactions to broader regional and international partnerships.

Ministry of Industry and Commerce Emphasizes Increasing Trade Volume
Mr. Ahmadullah Zahid, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, described trade and investment opportunities between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan as an important area of economic cooperation between the two countries.
He considered direct visits and meetings between traders and investors from both countries important for gaining a better understanding of economic capacities, developing cooperation, and expanding trade relations. He also emphasized increasing interaction between the private sectors of the two sides.

Mr. Zahid identified increased exports, effective utilization of economic capacities, and the expansion of trade relations as key factors in increasing bilateral trade. He stated that the goal of increasing trade between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan to $5 billion requires stronger economic relations, trade facilitation, and increased direct contact between traders and investors of the two countries.

He also assured the participants of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s cooperation in creating the necessary conditions for expanding trade and economic relations with Uzbekistan. He called on the Uzbek Ambassador to take the necessary measures to develop and revive historical trade and transit routes, including routes associated with the Silk Road, and transform them into effective regional and international transit corridors.

19 Agreements Worth $267 Million Signed
At the conclusion of the B2B networking program, traders and investors from Afghanistan and Qashqadaryo, following negotiations and discussions on areas of cooperation, signed 19 joint trade and investment agreements worth a total of AFN 17.7 billion, equivalent to approximately $267 million.

The agreements were signed with the aim of expanding trade cooperation, promoting joint investment, and creating new opportunities for interaction between the private sectors of Afghanistan and Qashqadaryo. Their implementation is expected to contribute to increased economic engagement, market development, and expanded cooperation between the private sectors of the two sides.

The holding of this conference and the signing of the trade and investment agreements represent another important step toward strengthening economic relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan and expanding regional cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries.

Saturday, August 22nd, 2026

A business meeting between the private sectors of Afghanistan and Iran was held at the main office of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, with the participation of a delegation from the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), officials from the Iran Chamber, and a number of economic and business representatives from both countries.

At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Qadir Qiafeh, Deputy Head of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, welcomed the ACCI delegation and emphasized the need to expand economic relations between the two countries and move beyond commodity-based trade toward joint investment. He stated that the current trade volume between Afghanistan and Iran is approximately $3 billion, adding that, looking ahead over a three- to five-year period, this figure could at least double.

Mr. Qiafeh, referring to the existing potential in mining, industry, infrastructure, and technical and engineering services, emphasized the establishment of joint working groups between the private sectors of the two countries. He proposed developing a five- and ten-year roadmap for economic, trade, mining, industrial, and infrastructure cooperation between Afghanistan and Iran. He also described joint investment and the use of the complementary capacities of the two countries as among the best ways to achieve sustainable economic relations.

Subsequently, Mr. Mirajan Sulaimankhel, Deputy for Policy and Government Relations of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended by the Iran Chamber and the Iran-Afghanistan Joint Chamber. He stated that this was the first official business delegation from ACCI to the Islamic Republic of Iran in the past year and that the visit was taking place at a time when regional economic developments had created new opportunities for expanding cooperation between the two countries.

He emphasized that Afghanistan and Iran should move beyond traditional trade toward joint investment, joint production, technology transfer, and the creation of shared value chains. According to him, mining, energy, infrastructure, transportation, logistics, technical and engineering services, and food industries are among the most important areas for cooperation between the two countries.

In the mining sector, Mr. Sulaimankhel proposed cooperation in mineral exploration and extraction, as well as the transfer of technical knowledge and technology, emphasizing the creation of added value inside Afghanistan. He also described connecting the mining and industrial value chains of the two countries, particularly in the iron and steel sector, as an important opportunity for expanding production and gaining joint access to regional markets.

He further referred to Afghanistan's need for sustainable energy and identified the use of Afghanistan's coal reserves, cooperation with Iranian companies in power plant construction, and the transfer of technical expertise as important areas of cooperation. The meeting also emphasized expanding cooperation in transportation, making effective use of the TIR system, facilitating the movement of transit shipments, and avoiding repeated inspections.

Referring to the importance of Chabahar Port and Iran's transit routes, Mr. Sulaimankhel stated that these routes should go beyond merely serving as corridors for the movement of goods and should be transformed into genuine economic corridors offering logistics, warehousing, and other necessary services. He also invited Iranian investors and companies to make long-term investments in Afghanistan's mining, logistics, technical and engineering services, energy, and food industries.

To achieve practical results, the Deputy for Policy and Government Relations of ACCI proposed establishing a joint committee and working group, developing a practical roadmap identifying priority sectors, holding regular business meetings, and creating a joint database. He also called for joint training programs on the TIR Convention, business management, and the transfer of technical knowledge.

He further invited the leadership of the Iran Chamber, as well as Iranian traders and investors, to participate in the Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) Exhibition and Business Forum, which is scheduled to be held in Kabul.

During the meeting, Mr. Moein Khawafi, Commercial Attaché of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Iran, referred to the target of increasing annual trade between Afghanistan and Iran to $10 billion. He emphasized that existing capacities, Afghanistan's access to international waters through Iran, and the development of railway corridors could help achieve this goal. He also stressed the need to establish an effective mechanism for addressing traders' challenges and expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.

Subsequently, Mr. Hamidullah Habibi, Member of the ACCI Board of Directors, provided information on investment opportunities in energy, construction, transportation, mining, and infrastructure, and invited Iranian companies to invest and engage in joint production in Afghanistan.
Mr. Zabihullah Samim then emphasized expanding cooperation in information technology, artificial intelligence, telecommunications, and the digitalization of services, and called for the participation and cooperation of Iranian companies in these sectors.

Mr. Mohammad Khalid Majid also referred to Afghanistan's extensive iron and oil reserves and called on Iranian companies to invest in the exploration, extraction, and processing of mineral resources.

At the conclusion, Mr. Mahmoud Siadat, Head of the Iran-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the extensive potential of the Afghan market and the importance of utilizing existing opportunities to expand Iran's economic presence in Afghanistan. He called for improved border management, support for the export of technical and engineering services, and the establishment of mechanisms to remove trade barriers between the two countries.

Mr. Kamaluddin Tawhid, Member of the ACCI Board of Directors, also provided information on investment opportunities in Afghanistan and invited Iranian companies to invest in the country.

During the meeting, various issues, including cooperation in infrastructure, mining, transportation, food industries, information technology, telecommunications, and digital transformation, were discussed. A number of Iranian officials and business representatives also expressed their readiness to expand cooperation with Afghanistan's private sector.

At the end of the meeting, a B2B session between Afghan and Iranian traders and economic representatives was held, during which several positive agreements were reached between companies, particularly in the construction sector.

Wednesday, August 26th, 2026

The meeting was attended by Mr. Mujib-ul-Rahman Shirzad, Deputy of the Board of Directors for Strategic Affairs; Mr. Zabihullah Samim, Member of the Board of Directors and Head of the Specialized Committee on Telecommunications, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence; Mr. Zainullah Hassany, Acting CEO of the Executive Board and Deputy for Finance and Administration of the Executive Board and a number of committee members.

At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Mujib-ul-Rahman Shirzad, Deputy of the Board of Directors for Strategic Affairs, emphasized the importance of holding regular and well-planned meetings of the specialized committees. He described the role of the Specialized Committee on Telecommunications, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence as important and fundamental under the current circumstances, particularly in the growth and development of the private sector, trade, and investment.

He stated that information technology and artificial intelligence are essential requirements of the private sector and the modern economy, and that the proper use of these capacities can contribute to business growth, increased productivity, reduced costs, and the modernization of economic activities.

Mr. Shirzad emphasized the need to modernize and computerize companies, businesses, and investment activities. He called on the Head and members of the committee to comprehensively study the telecommunications, information technology, and artificial intelligence sectors, identify existing challenges and opportunities, and provide practical solutions for the development of these sectors.

He added that the committee should identify available opportunities for attracting domestic and foreign investment and play an active role in introducing and facilitating investment projects related to information technology, telecommunications, and artificial intelligence.

The Deputy of the Board of Directors for Strategic Affairs further emphasized the need for dialogue and coordination with the relevant government authorities regarding the problems and challenges facing the sector, so that existing issues can be identified and appropriate and practical solutions can be sought.

He also stressed the importance of using artificial intelligence in the development of national projects, infrastructure projects, investment projects, and business activities. He stated that AI capabilities should be effectively utilized in the design, management, analysis, and development of major projects in the country.

Mr. Mujib-ul-Rahman Shirzad further emphasized the need to digitalize and computerize all financial, administrative, and operational systems of the private sector.

He stated that all commercial and industrial companies, businesses, and enterprises should gradually be equipped with computerized and online systems so that their financial and administrative processes become faster, more transparent, more efficient, and easier to monitor.

He also emphasized the need to develop a specific plan to connect the financial and accounting systems of the private sector with the systems of the Ministry of Finance. He added that such a system could play an important role in preventing revenue leakage, increasing tax transparency, and simplifying tax procedures.

According to Mr. Shirzad, the proposed system should be designed in a way that allows the government to manage and collect revenues effectively and transparently, while enabling the private sector to fulfill its tax obligations easily, quickly, transparently, and online.

During the discussion, the proposal to establish an inter-institutional joint committee to review and finalize this plan was presented and emphasized. The proposed committee would consist of representatives from the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, the Ministry of Finance, Customs, the Revenue Department, the Treasury, the Central Bank, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and Da Afghanistan Bank.

The joint committee is expected to work on the connection and coordination of financial, administrative, commercial, and tax systems and examine the technical, financial, legal, and operational aspects of the plan, with the aim of developing it to a mature stage and creating the conditions for its practical implementation.

The main objectives of the plan were identified as preventing revenue leakage, increasing tax transparency, reducing bureaucracy and costs, simplifying tax services, and establishing an effective digital system between the private sector and government institutions.

Activities and Programs of the Specialized Committee
Mr. Zabihullah Samim, Member of the Board of Directors and Head of the Specialized Committee on Telecommunications, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence, then provided information on the activities and programs of the committee.
He stated that the committee would provide specialized advice to relevant institutions, particularly in the areas of modern technologies, digital systems, and artificial intelligence.

The Head of the Committee also outlined the committee's plans for assessing the condition of the sector, identifying investment opportunities, identifying challenges facing the private sector, and providing practical solutions for the development and effective use of technology.

Subsequently, Mr. Zainullah Hassany, Acting CEO of the Executive Board and Deputy for Finance and Administration of the Executive Board of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, emphasized the need for the private sector to provide simple, fast, transparent, and affordable services through the use of modern technology.

He described the use of digital and computerized systems as important for improving service quality, reducing costs, increasing transparency, and creating greater convenience for citizens and economic actors.

Noor Khurasan Company's Investment in Smart Electricity Systems
In the final part of the meeting, Mr. Ahmad Fawad Dara, representative of Noor Khurasan Company, provided comprehensive information about the company's plans to invest in the production and distribution of digital and smart electricity meters in Afghanistan.

He stated that Noor Khurasan is a domestic company planning to invest in the production of digital and smart electricity meters inside Afghanistan and to manufacture and distribute these meters domestically.

The representative of Noor Khurasan Company also announced the company's plan to introduce and implement an advanced international system in Afghanistan, which could facilitate the computerization and digitalization of various electricity supply services.

According to the information presented, with the implementation of this system, all aspects of electricity services—including measuring and recording electricity consumption, meter reading, calculation and issuance of electricity bills, and bill payments—could be conducted online and through computerized systems.

The system could provide accurate information on electricity consumption, help prevent waste and unnecessary electricity use, increase transparency in electricity billing and payment processes, and reduce operational costs, thereby contributing to the modernization of the country's electricity supply system.

He added that the digitalization of electricity services could reduce costs, provide significant convenience for consumers, and facilitate better energy-consumption management and faster and more efficient service delivery.

The representative of Noor Khurasan Company also announced the company's readiness to make a comprehensive and beneficial investment in Afghanistan's smart electricity supply systems and to provide financial and technical facilities in this area.

Conclusion
At the end of the meeting, participants emphasized the importance of developing and utilizing information technology, digital systems, and artificial intelligence in the private sector and the country's economy.

They also emphasized studying the opportunities and challenges of the sector, attracting investment, addressing problems through coordination with relevant government authorities, computerizing companies' financial and administrative systems, establishing connections between private-sector systems and tax institutions, and utilizing artificial intelligence in national and investment projects.

The establishment of a joint committee among the relevant institutions to work on the digitalization plan and the integration of private-sector systems with the government's tax and revenue systems was also highlighted as one of the key issues discussed during the meeting.