Friday, August 14th, 2026
The inaugural meeting of the Specialized Export Committee of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) was held under the chairmanship of Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of ACCI, with the participation of Chamber leadership, as well as a number of traders and exporters, at the ACCI main office.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi described exports as one of the fundamental pillars of economic growth and strengthening the national economy. He stated that expanding Afghanistan’s exports can contribute to increased production, job creation, investment attraction, higher revenues, and the overall strengthening of the country’s economy.
Referring to Afghanistan’s vast potential in agricultural products, fresh and dried fruits, saffron, carpets, handicrafts, medicinal plants, precious and semi-precious stones, and other domestic products, he emphasized that these potentials can be transformed into sustainable economic value when Afghan products are exported to regional and international markets with appropriate quality, standardized packaging, competitive prices, and through reliable trade routes.
The ACCI Chairman also emphasized the need to preserve traditional markets while simultaneously identifying new markets. He identified Central Asia, South Asia, the Gulf countries, China, Turkey, and other regional and global markets as important opportunities for expanding Afghanistan’s exports.
Mr. Hashemi, referring to the existing challenges facing the country’s exports—including transit challenges, high transportation costs, customs-related issues, banking restrictions, quality and packaging standards, and limited market information—stressed the need for serious and practical measures to address these challenges.
He emphasized that the Specialized Export Committee should not become merely a ceremonial structure or a platform for holding meetings. Rather, it should serve as the genuine voice of Afghan exporters, identify and prioritize their challenges, develop practical solutions, and follow up on issues until tangible results are achieved.
He assured that any practical proposal that contributes to increasing exports, reducing trade costs, removing barriers facing exporters, and accessing new markets would receive the support of the Chamber’s leadership.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Enayatullah Sediqzai, Deputy for Services; Mr. Mirajan Solaimankhail, Deputy for Policy and Government Relations; Mr. Arian Zalgai Azimi, Deputy for Investment; Mr. Faiz Ahmad Khawafi, Deputy for Provincial Affairs; and Board Members Mr. Zabihullah Samim, Mr. Abdullah Rahimi, Mr. Sakhi Ahmad Noorzad, Mr. Gulmir Amini, and Mr. Yahya Pashtun.
In continuation, Mr. Yahya Pashtun, Chairman of the Specialized Export Committee of ACCI, described the establishment of the committee as an important step toward economic development and supporting the country’s exports.
Expressing his appreciation for the confidence placed in him by the Chamber’s leadership, he said he considers the responsibility a major commitment and will work together with committee members to take practical measures to address exporters’ challenges, increase the value added of Afghan products, expand exports, and identify new international markets.
