Saturday, October 10, 2026
Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) Fifth National and International Exhibition was officially inaugurated on Wednesday in a grand ceremony attended by Mr. Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs; several Cabinet members and senior officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan; diplomatic representatives; trade delegations from various countries; and domestic and foreign traders and investors. The ceremony took place at the Afghanistan International Exhibition Center in Kabul.
The exhibition is organized at the initiative and under the auspices of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment. It provides an important platform for showcasing Afghanistan’s economic potential, promoting trade, attracting investment, and expanding economic cooperation with countries across the region and the world.
Speeches by Senior Officials at the Opening Ceremony
At the opening ceremony, speeches were delivered by Mr. Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs; Mr. Nooruddin Azizi, Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce; Mr. Din Mohammad Hanif, Acting Minister of Economy; Mr. Noor-ul-Haq Anwar, Director General of the General Directorate of Administrative Affairs; and Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment.
Mr. Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund welcomed the participation of domestic and foreign trade delegations and investors, emphasizing support for trade, encouragement of investment, strengthening domestic production, and providing the necessary facilities for economic activities.
He described the exhibition as a valuable opportunity to showcase Afghanistan’s production and export potential and to develop economic relations with countries in the region and around the world on the basis of mutual interests.
Similarly, Mr. Nooruddin Azizi, Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce, emphasized strengthening cooperation between government institutions and the private sector, supporting domestic production, and expanding Afghanistan’s trade relations.
ACCI Chairman Emphasizes Economic Growth
Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, expressed his appreciation for the participation of senior officials, diplomatic representatives, trade delegations, and domestic and foreign investors. He highlighted the important role of national and international exhibitions in developing the country’s economy.
He stated that the exhibition offers a valuable opportunity to showcase Afghanistan’s production, industrial, and export capacities, promote domestic products, attract investment, and establish sustainable economic partnerships between domestic and foreign companies.
The Chairman also emphasized the importance of joint investment, technology transfer, the development of value chains, and enhancing the competitiveness of Afghan products in regional and international markets.
Broad Participation by Domestic and Foreign Companies, Traders, and Investors
Approximately 700 booths are operating at the Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) Fifth National and International Exhibition. A total of 210 domestic companies and 113 foreign companies from various countries have secured booths to showcase their products and services across a range of economic sectors.
In addition to the exhibiting companies, more than 500 prominent foreign traders and investors from different countries are participating in the event to explore trade and investment opportunities, visit exhibition booths, conduct business negotiations, and establish economic partnerships.
A large number of domestic traders, industrialists, producers, and investors are also attending the exhibition.
The main sectors represented include agriculture and livestock, food industries, mining, construction, medical products, machinery, metal and wood industries, carpets and handicrafts, energy, technology, telecommunications, poultry farming, beekeeping, airline services, non-alcoholic beverages, and fresh and dried fruits.
Business Meetings and Strengthening Economic Cooperation
Alongside the exhibition, government–private sector meetings, sector-specific sessions, and bilateral business-to-business (B2B) meetings are being held among domestic and foreign traders, companies, and investors.
These meetings aim to identify investment opportunities, promote exports, expand markets, establish economic partnerships, and strengthen trade cooperation. They are also expected to facilitate the signing of MoUs and trade and investment agreements among participants.
The Exhibition’s Role in National Economic Development and Private Sector Strengthening
The exhibition represents an important step toward showcasing Afghanistan’s economic potential, supporting domestic production, attracting investment, and strengthening trade relations with countries across the region and the world.
As the country’s national institution representing the private sector, the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment continues to organize such events to promote trade, develop industries, increase exports, create employment opportunities, and support Afghanistan’s progress toward economic self-reliance.
The exhibition also provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen trust among traders and investors and establish sustainable economic partnerships.
Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) Fifth National and International Exhibition will continue for six days in Kabul.
Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI)
