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Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, during his visit to Spin Boldak District of Kandahar Province, inaugurated the Spin Boldak Chamber of Commerce and Investment in the presence of members of ACCI’s leadership delegation. This initiative was undertaken to strengthen local trade structures, support traders and investors, and expand economic activities along one of the country’s important trade routes.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mr. Mirajan Sulaimankhail, Deputy for Policy and Government Relations; Mr. Enayatullah Seddiqzai, Deputy for Services; Mr. Abdul Nafi Barakzai, Deputy for Supporting Domestic Production and Products; Mr. Habibullah Omar, Deputy for Cultural and Social Affairs; Mr. Mohammad Shafiq Achakzai, Chairman of the Spin Boldak Chamber of Commerce and Investment; members of its Board of Directors; local officials; tribal elders; traders; and investors.

Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi expressed his appreciation for the efforts of those involved in establishing the Chamber, describing its inauguration as an important step toward strengthening coordination between the business community in Spin Boldak and ACCI. He expressed hope that the Chamber would serve as an effective platform for conveying challenges, following up on business community demands, and supporting the trade and investment activities of traders in the region.

The ACCI Chairman described security and stability as fundamental factors for the growth of economic activities and attracting investment, and appreciated the efforts of the relevant authorities to ensure security throughout the country. He emphasized that providing a favorable environment for economic activities would help strengthen investor confidence, expand trade, and create employment opportunities.

Referring to Spin Boldak’s strategic geographical location and economic potential, Mr. Hashemi emphasized the need to make effective use of existing opportunities in trade, transit, and the export of agricultural products, fresh and dried fruits, and other domestic products. He noted that supporting domestic producers, facilitating trade processes, and strengthening cooperation between the private sector and relevant institutions could play a significant role in increasing exports, creating jobs, and promoting the country’s economic growth.

He further stated that traders and investors could make an effective contribution to creating employment opportunities, reducing poverty, and improving people’s economic conditions by expanding their production and commercial activities. He added that ACCI is committed to working with local chambers to address the challenges facing the business community and improve the trade and investment environment.

During the ceremony, Mr. Mohammad Shafiq Achakzai, Chairman of the Spin Boldak Chamber of Commerce and Investment, members of its Board of Directors, and a number of traders and investors shared their views, proposals, and challenges concerning various aspects of trade and investment. Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination with ACCI and creating better conditions for the growth of economic activities in Spin Boldak.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, participants emphasized the need to support the private sector, strengthen domestic production, expand exports, facilitate trade activities, and promote joint cooperation between ACCI and the Spin Boldak Chamber to support economic growth and expand investment opportunities.

The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment sincerely appreciates the warm welcome, generous hospitality, and valuable cooperation of the local authorities of Spin Boldak District; Mr. Mohammad Shafiq Achakzai, Chairman of the Spin Boldak Chamber of Commerce and Investment, and members of its leadership; tribal elders; and the traders and investors of the region. ACCI’s leadership considers this cooperation and hospitality a reflection of the commitment of the business community and local authorities to economic development. It also expresses hope that continued joint cooperation will further contribute to the growth of trade, increased investment, and the strengthening of Spin Boldak’s economic position.

Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, led a delegation of the Chamber’s leadership to Helmand Province, where he attended and addressed an economic program organized at the initiative of the Helmand Chamber of Commerce and Investment. In his remarks, he emphasized supporting domestic production, expanding exports, strengthening investment, and making effective use of Helmand’s economic potential.

The delegation accompanying him included Mr. Enayatullah Seddiqzai, Deputy for Services; Mr. Abdul Nafi Barakzai, Deputy for Supporting Domestic Production and Products; Mr. Mirajan Sulaimankhail, Deputy for Policy and Government Relations; Mr. Habibullah Omar, Deputy for Cultural and Social Affairs; and Board members Mr. Yahya Pashtoon, Mr. Abdul Ahad Khan, Chairman of the Kandahar Chamber’s Board of Directors, Mr. Ahmad Masoud Rahat, and Mr. Bahauddin Khan, Chairman of the Chamber.

The program was attended by the head of the Breshna Company, a representative of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Governor of Helmand, government and local officials, the chairpersons and members of the Helmand and Kandahar Chambers of Commerce and Investment, religious scholars, tribal elders, traders, and investors.

In his speech, Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi described Helmand as one of Afghanistan’s important provinces, with extensive agricultural and economic potential. He stressed the need to make effective use of these capacities, particularly in the production of cotton, fresh fruits, and other agricultural products. He noted that developing these sectors could increase domestic production, expand exports, create employment opportunities, and improve the economic well-being of local communities.

Highlighting the importance of developing the value chain of agricultural products, the ACCI Chairman stated that sustainable economic growth requires greater investment in processing, standard packaging, storage, transportation, and marketing. He also emphasized the need to strengthen coordination and cooperation between government institutions and the private sector. According to him, creating favorable conditions for producers and exporters to access domestic and international markets is essential for expanding trade and increasing the value of Afghan products.

Mr. Hashemi identified supporting domestic production, facilitating business activities, removing barriers to investment, and expanding exports as key priorities of ACCI. He emphasized that the growth of the private sector and support for traders, investors, and producers can play an effective role in reducing unemployment and poverty, creating job opportunities, and strengthening the national economy.

He further explained that the purpose of the visit and the meeting with Helmand’s business community was to hear directly about the challenges, proposals, and views of traders and investors and to explore practical solutions for improving the business and investment environment. He stressed that ACCI would continue, within the framework of its responsibilities, to reflect the concerns of the private sector, follow up on the legitimate demands of the business community, and strengthen coordination with relevant institutions.

The ACCI Chairman expressed hope that, through cooperation with the Governor of Helmand, local authorities, the Helmand and Kandahar Chambers of Commerce and Investment, and other relevant institutions, better opportunities would be created to support domestic production, expand exports of cotton, fresh fruits, and other Afghan products, and broaden trade and investment activities.

During the program, several officials and representatives of various institutions also shared their views, proposals, and existing challenges concerning trade, production, investment, and economic activities in Helmand. The exchange of views provided an opportunity to strengthen coordination between government officials and the business community and to explore practical approaches to the province’s economic development.

At the conclusion of the program, ACCI extended its sincere appreciation for the warm welcome, generous hospitality, and valuable cooperation of Mr. Haji Yahya Pashtoon, ACCI Board member and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Helmand Chamber of Commerce and Investment; the Office of the Governor of Helmand; the respected Mayor; provincial officials; traders and investors of the province; and the members of the Board of Directors and Executive Board of the Helmand Chamber of Commerce and Investment.

The leadership of ACCI regarded this warm reception and cooperation as a reflection of a shared commitment to strengthening the private sector, supporting domestic production, and developing trade and investment. It expressed hope that continued cooperation of this kind would help promote economic growth, increase exports, and create greater opportunities for the people and business community of Afghanistan.

Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment on Sunday, during his visit to Kandahar and Helmand provinces, visited Sondos, a major textile company and factory, and toured various sections of the industrial complex.

During the visit, the ACCI Chairman gained first-hand insight into the progress of construction work, facilities, machinery, and production capacities of the factory. He also held discussions with company officials on investment opportunities, the development of the textile industry, job creation, and the project's role in the country's economic growth.

Sondos Textile Company is being established in three phases on a 60-Acres plot of land in the Aino Mina Modern Industrial Park in Kandahar Province, with an initial investment of approximately USD 60 million. Construction of the first phase is approximately 98 percent complete. Most of the advanced and standardized machinery, sourced from European and Asian countries, has been transported to Afghanistan, and installation is currently underway. The factory is expected to commence production in 2027.

According to the information provided, during its first phase, Sondos Textile Factory will have the capacity to produce 50,000 meters of various types of men's and women's fabrics and dye 100,000 meters of fabric per day, creating employment opportunities for approximately 900 people. Upon completion of the second and third phases, the complex's daily production and dyeing capacity will increase to 150,000 meters, while its workforce will grow to approximately 1,500 employees. Furthermore, an advanced yarn production unit will be established and become operational in the third phase.

Built in accordance with established standards and equipped with advanced technology, this industrial complex will not only increase domestic production capacity but also play an important role in reducing the country's dependence on imported textiles, creating employment opportunities for local workers, developing related industries, and strengthening Afghanistan's exports. After meeting the needs of domestic markets, the factory's products are also expected to be exported to regional and international markets, particularly Central Asian countries and the United Arab Emirates.

Welcoming this major industrial investment, the ACCI Chairman described supporting manufacturing factories and strengthening national production as important priorities for the country's economic growth. He emphasized that the development of such projects can play an effective role in creating employment opportunities, increasing domestic production, attracting further investment, and expanding the country's exports. He also reaffirmed ACCI's commitment to cooperating with and supporting the private sector and facilitating a favorable environment for the growth and development of industrial activities.

During the visit, emphasis was also placed on making effective use of domestic capacities, improving product quality, developing national industries, and creating opportunities for Afghan products to compete in regional and international markets.

It is worth noting that Sondos Textile Company is a public joint-stock company that also offers investment opportunities to other investors across the country. Through purchasing shares, investors can participate in this major industrial project and contribute to the development of Afghanistan's textile industry.

The visit was also attended by Mr. Habibullah Omar, Deputy for Cultural and Social Affairs; Mr. Enayatullah Seddiqzai, Deputy for Services; Mr. Mirajan Sulaimankhail, Deputy for Policy and Government Relations; Mr. Abdul Nafi Barakzai, Deputy for Supporting Domestic Production and Products; and ACCI Board members Mr. Ahmad Masoud Rahat and Mr. Mohammad Yousuf Mohmand.

The inauguration ceremony marking the launch of operations at the Kandahar Cement Factory was held in the presence of senior officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, including Mr. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs; Mr. Sheikh Shahabuddin Delawar, Chairman of the Afghan Red Crescent Society; Mr. Haji Mullah Shirin Akhund, Governor of Kandahar Province; Mr. Zabihullah Mujahid, Spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan; Mr. Abdul Latif Nazari, Professional Deputy Minister of Economy; other senior officials of the Islamic Emirate; local officials of Kandahar Province; representatives of the private sector; traders and investors; religious scholars; tribal elders; and other guests.

Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, attended the ceremony and congratulated the people of Kandahar and all Afghans on the commencement of the factory’s operations. He emphasized the importance of investment in the industrial sector and the role of the private sector in promoting economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening domestic production.

Mr. Hashemi expressed his appreciation to Mr. Ahmad Nabizada, the project’s investor, as well as all officials and individuals who contributed to its completion and launch. He also called on Afghan traders and investors, both inside and outside the country, to actively contribute to Afghanistan’s reconstruction and the strengthening of the national economy by investing in production and infrastructure sectors.

He noted that developing domestic industries and increasing national production would create employment opportunities, reduce dependence on imports, and help move the country towards economic self-sufficiency. He also reaffirmed ACCI’s commitment to supporting the private sector and encouraging investment.

The ceremony was also attended by Mr. Mirajan Sulaimankhail, Deputy Chairman for Policy and Government Relations; Mr. Enayatullah Seddiqzai, Deputy Chairman for Services; Mr. Abdul Nafi Barakzai, Deputy Chairman for Supporting Domestic Production and Products; Mr. Habibullah Omar, Deputy Chairman for Cultural and Social Affairs; and Mr. Yahya Pashtoon, member of ACCI’s Board of Directors.

As part of his ongoing visit to Helmand Province, Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, accompanied by a delegation comprising the Chamber’s deputies and Board members, visited a cotton processing and production factory as well as a marble production and processing factory in the province.

During the visits, the ACCI Chairman gained first-hand insight into the factories’ operations, production capacities, challenges, and needs. He emphasized ACCI’s commitment to supporting and cooperating with producers and industrialists.

Appreciating the efforts made to strengthen domestic production, he pledged that ACCI would provide the necessary cooperation in promoting products, supporting marketing efforts, and facilitating access for Afghan products to international markets.

Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi also stated that, at upcoming international exhibitions scheduled to take place in Uzbekistan and Turkey, high-quality Afghan products, including products manufactured in Helmand, would be showcased. These exhibitions will provide opportunities to promote the products, strengthen marketing efforts, and explore new markets for them.

He emphasized that showcasing the country’s production capabilities at international exhibitions can create valuable opportunities to expand exports, attract investment, and establish direct links between Afghan producers and regional and global markets.

At the conclusion of the visits, the ACCI Chairman reaffirmed the Chamber’s continued support for producers and industrialists, the development of domestic industries, and efforts to identify new markets for Afghan products.

The visits were also attended by Mr. Abdul Nafi Barakzai, Deputy for Supporting Domestic Production and Products; Mr. Habibullah Omar, Deputy for Cultural and Social Affairs; Mr. Mr. Enayatullah Seddiqzai, Deputy for Services; Mr. Mirajan Sulaimankhail, Deputy for Policy and Government Relations; and ACCI Board members Mr. Yahya Pashtoon and Mr. Ahmad Masoud Rahat.