The leadership of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), including Mr. Mohammad Younus Mohmand, First Vice Chairman of ACCI; Mr. Khairuddin Mayel Ahmadi, deputy commercial of ACCI; Mr. Shirin Agha Sakhi, Head of Finance; Mr. Sayed Javid Burhan, Head of International Relations; Mr. Khanjan Alokozay, Mr. Sultan Mohammad Safi, Mr. Sayed Parwiz Sadat Hufyani, and Mr. Ahmad Shikeb Ahmadyar, board members, along with Mr. Ahmad Shah Hakimi, First Vice Chairman of the Kabul Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Mirza Aman Popal, Acting Deputy of Finance and Administration; Mr. Tawakal Khorram, Head of ACCI’s Dispute Resolution Center; and Mr. Abdul Mateen Ghalib, Head of ACCI’s International Department, met with Mr. Zhao Zheng, the Ambassador of China to Afghanistan, and his team at ACCI headquarters discussed the expansion of trade and economic relations between the two countries.
Mr. Mohammad Younus Mohmand warmly welcomed Mr. Zhao Zheng and his team, expressing gratitude for China’s financial and comprehensive support to the people of Afghanistan over the years and for their contributions to large infrastructure projects in Afghanistan. He provided insights into ACCI’s activities, especially the leadership’s participation in trade conferences and meetings in China.
The First Vice Chairman of ACCI described China as one of the world’s most modern and technologically advanced countries, emphasizing the importance of strengthening economic and trade relations. He requested China’s cooperation in organizing a joint exhibition and establishing a trade market where all domestic products from both countries could be showcased and sold.
Mr. Mohmand highlighted the Wakhan Corridor as a direct transit link between China and Afghanistan, noting its potential to expedite trade and foster economic and political relations between the two countries. He urged Mr. Zhao Zheng to coordinate with the Chinese government to prioritize the reconstruction of this route.
Mr. Khairuddin Mayel Ahmadi regarded such meetings as a crucial step in enhancing trade and solidifying relations between the two countries. He pointed out that many Afghan production factories rely on raw materials imported from China and requested Mr. Zhao Zheng to facilitate easier access for importing Chinese machinery.
Mr. Khanjan Alokozay discussed trade issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan and requested that the Chinese Embassy assist in resolving the existing trade challenges with Pakistan.
Mr. Mirza Aman Popal shared information about the export of Afghan pine nuts to China, emphasizing the need for subsidies from the Chinese government to support Afghan traders. He noted that China’s restrictions on the import of certain Afghan agricultural products are a significant challenge for Afghan traders and requested Mr. Zhao Zheng’s support in signing an agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture to facilitate the export of agricultural goods.
Mr. Zhao Zheng thanked the ACCI leadership for organizing the meeting and mentioned recent developments in lifting bans on Afghan exports to China. He announced that Afghanistan can now export its pomegranates to China and expressed his commitment to working on removing restrictions on other agricultural products as well. He also promised cooperation in coordinating with the Chinese government to restore the Wakhan Corridor and to address Afghan traders’ issues at Karachi port.
Tuesday, 17th of Mezan, 1403
ACCI’s Leadership met with the Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan
