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Tuesday, August 18, 2026
In a new step toward strengthening cooperation between private-sector institutions and creating opportunities for large-scale investment, the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) and the Afghanistan Chamber of Industries and Mines signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a joint shareholding company.
The MoU was signed at a ceremony held at the Government Media and Information Center in the presence of Mr. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs; Mr. Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, Minister of Industry and Commerce; Mr. Mawlawi Din Mohammad Hanif, Minister of Economy; Mr. Mullah Mohammad Nasir Akhund, Minister of Finance; Mr. Noor Ahmad Agha, Governor of Da Afghanistan Bank; Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of ACCI; ACCI deputy chairmen and board members; Mr. Alhaj Nabi Zada, Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Industries and Mines; as well as traders, industrialists, investors, and media representatives.
The joint shareholding company aims to pool the capital and capacities of the private sector, facilitate investors’ participation in major projects, promote industrial and trade development, and support productive investments aligned with the country’s economic priorities.
Mr. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, highlighting the role of the private sector in the national economy, emphasized that Afghanistan’s economic development cannot be achieved by the government alone and that the private sector constitutes an important part of the national economy.
He stressed the importance of creating a secure and reliable investment environment, simplifying administrative procedures, and organizing and directing capital through the establishment of joint shareholding companies. He described such initiatives as important steps toward making effective use of the country’s domestic capacities.
Mr. Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, Minister of Industry and Commerce, described the establishment of the joint shareholding company between the two chambers as an important step toward Afghanistan’s industrialization and economic self-sufficiency.
He emphasized that addressing the country’s economic challenges should be pursued by utilizing the capabilities, initiatives, and capacities of Afghans, while noting the government’s commitment to supporting private-sector economic and investment activities.
Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of ACCI, emphasized in his remarks that the objective of this initiative is not merely to establish a commercial company, but to create a joint capacity for mobilizing Afghan capital and transforming fragmented capital into large-scale, productive investments.
He stated:
“The strength of a shareholding company lies in bringing together multiple sources of capital, experience, and capacity within a unified framework to make major projects possible.”
The Chairman of ACCI, referring to the country’s need for fundamental investments, emphasized that projects should be selected based on comprehensive economic and technical studies, market needs, domestic capacities, and profitability.
He also stressed the need to shift from an import-oriented economy toward a production-oriented economy, stating:
“Whatever we have the capacity and ability to produce in Afghanistan, we should produce in Afghanistan.”
Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi called on Afghan traders and investors inside and outside the country to contribute to this economic initiative and invest their capital in major and productive projects in Afghanistan.
He also described ACCI and the Afghanistan Chamber of Industries and Mines as “two strong arms of Afghanistan’s private sector”, emphasizing the importance of cooperation, coordination, and mutual trust between the two institutions.
The Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Industries and Mines also described the signing of the MoU as an important step toward greater coordination within the private sector and creating opportunities for joint investment in major economic projects.
Under the MoU, the two chambers will work to mobilize the capacities of investors, traders, and industrialists within a joint framework and facilitate the assessment and implementation of major projects across various economic sectors.
The MoU is regarded by both institutions as the beginning of a new phase of cooperation aimed at increasing investment, strengthening domestic production, creating employment opportunities, reducing dependence on imports, and advancing toward economic self-sufficiency.
In his concluding message, the Chairman of ACCI emphasized a shared national objective:
From imports to production; from dependence to self-sufficiency; from fragmented capital to large-scale investment; and from separate efforts to a coordinated national movement.
Afghan capital for the development of Afghanistan; a strong economy, a strong Afghanistan!

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.

Sunday, August 16th, 2026

The 12th Extraordinary Meeting of the Executive 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 Mr. Mohammad Ibrahim Moheb, Deputy for International Relations; Mr. Faiz Ahmad Khawafi, Deputy for Provincial Affairs; Mr. Arian Zalgai Azimi, Deputy for Investment; Mr. Mirajan Sulaimankhel, Deputy for Policy and Government Relations; Mr. Gulbahar Habibi, Deputy for Commerce; and other ACCI officials.

The first agenda item focused on a comprehensive discussion on the effective organization of the Fifth Imam Abu Hanifa (RH) National and International Exhibition. Necessary decisions were made regarding the preparatory arrangements and required coordination for the successful organization of the exhibition.

Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi also appreciated the efforts and active participation of the Board of Directors’ deputies, the Head of the Board Secretariat, and the Acting Head of the Executive Board in the meetings held over the past month. He emphasized the importance of unity, coordination, and joint efforts in supporting the private sector and strengthening economic activities in the country.

Thursday, August 13th, 2026

Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), met with Mr. Mullah Mohammad Nasir Akhund, Minister of Finance of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, at the Ministry of Finance.

The meeting focused on the challenges facing the country’s private sector, traders, and investors, particularly issues related to company audits, income tax, and creating greater facilities for trade and investment activities.

At the outset, Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi expressed his appreciation for the continued cooperation, goodwill, and attention of the Ministry of Finance toward the private sector, traders, and investors. He noted that whenever the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment has requested meetings to share the concerns and proposals of the private sector, the Ministry of Finance has welcomed such requests and consistently given serious attention to the challenges and demands of traders and investors.

Mr. Hashemi also expressed appreciation for the effective and constructive cooperation of the Minister of Finance in supporting the private sector, facilitating trade, and addressing the challenges of traders and investors. He emphasized that continued cooperation between the government and the private sector can play an important role in promoting trade, increasing investment, and advancing the country’s economic development.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on company audits conducted by the Audit Department of the Ministry of Finance and the mechanism for collecting income tax on companies’ annual revenues. In this regard, the Chairman of ACCI proposed establishing a mechanism to facilitate matters for traders, prevent administrative difficulties, and enhance transparency in tax payments. Under the proposed mechanism, when commercial goods enter customs from abroad, the relevant income tax would be calculated and settled at the same stage, after the customs duties have been cleared, in accordance with applicable principles and laws.

Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi added that implementing such a mechanism could, on the one hand, save traders from lengthy procedures and repeated administrative visits and, on the other hand, reduce opportunities for tax evasion, ensuring that all traders and companies fulfill their tax obligations in an orderly, transparent, and fair manner.

Mr. Mullah Mohammad Nasir Akhund, Minister of Finance of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, after hearing the views and proposals of the Chairman of ACCI, emphasized the government’s support for legitimate trade and investment activities in the country. He stated that the Ministry of Finance continuously seeks to provide the necessary facilities for the private sector within the framework of applicable principles and laws.

The proposal presented by the Chairman of ACCI regarding the settlement of income tax was also given attention by the Ministry of Finance. It was emphasized that its technical, financial, and implementation aspects should be reviewed by the relevant authorities and that an appropriate and practical mechanism should subsequently be developed.

During the meeting, both sides emphasized strengthening and continuing cooperation and coordination between the Ministry of Finance and ACCI, addressing the challenges of traders and investors, simplifying administrative and tax procedures, enhancing transparency, and creating a suitable environment for the growth of trade and investment in the country.

The meeting was also attended by Mr. Mirajan Solaimankhail, Deputy for Government Relations at ACCI; Mr. Enayatullah Sediqzai, Deputy of ACCI; and Mr. Haji Atiqullah , Member of the ACCI Board of Directors and one of the country’s prominent national traders.

The meeting concluded in a spirit of mutual understanding, cooperation, and goodwill, with both sides emphasizing the continuation of such meetings to address private sector challenges, improve the trade and investment environment, and strengthen cooperation between the government and the country’s business community.

Sunday, August 16th, 2026

An online meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), aimed at strengthening and expanding regional economic, trade, and transit cooperation, was held with the participation of the heads and representatives of the Chambers of Commerce and Industries of ECO member states.

The meeting opened with introductory remarks by Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, Chairman of the Chambers of Commerce and Industries of ECO member states. Subsequently, the heads and representatives of the member chambers discussed ways to expand trade, investment, transit, and regional economic cooperation.

Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), speaking on behalf of Afghanistan’s private sector and business community, described the ECO region as possessing significant economic potential, a strategic geographic location, considerable natural resources, broad markets, and a young and dynamic workforce. He emphasized that the economic future of the region is more than ever dependent on regional cooperation, connectivity, and mutual trust.

Mr. Hashemi stated that, given the rapid transformation of the global economy, changes in supply chains, the growing importance of transit routes, food and energy security, the development of the digital economy, and the need to access new markets, regional cooperation is no longer merely an option but has become an economic necessity.

The Chairman of ACCI emphasized that ECO has the potential to increasingly develop into an effective regional platform for trade, transit, investment, and joint production, with the private sectors of member states playing a fundamental and decisive role in this process.

He described the Chambers of Commerce of ECO member states as effective bridges between governments and the private sector and called for ECO’s economic objectives and decisions to move beyond dialogue toward practical, implementable, and results-oriented programs.

Afghanistan: A Bridge for Regional Economic Connectivity
Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, referring to Afghanistan’s geographic position at the crossroads of Central Asia, South Asia, and West Asia, stated that this position should be transformed from a potential geographic capacity into a practical economic and transit advantage for the entire region.

He emphasized that Afghanistan is ready to play a constructive role as a trade and transit bridge among regional countries. The development of transit corridors, facilitation of regional trade, connectivity of transportation and energy networks, and establishment of reliable routes for the movement of goods can bring significant economic benefits not only to Afghanistan but to all ECO member states.

The Chairman of ACCI added that Afghanistan wants regional countries to gain access to new markets through Afghanistan, while the country itself should become an active part of regional value chains and economic cooperation, beyond merely serving as a transit route.

Afghanistan’s Proposals for Expanding Economic Cooperation:
In his remarks, the Chairman of ACCI presented several practical areas for strengthening cooperation among ECO member states.

He emphasized the facilitation of regional trade and transit, reduction of unnecessary barriers, simplification of customs procedures, greater regulatory coordination, and wider use of digital systems.
Strengthening direct connections among the private sectors of member states through regular B2B meetings, joint exhibitions, exchanges of business delegations, and the establishment of an effective mechanism for sharing investment opportunities were also among the proposals presented.

Mr. Hashemi further called for promoting joint regional investments in agriculture and agro-processing, mining, energy, transportation and logistics, textiles, industrial production, technology, and the digital economy.

He also emphasized strengthening the role of small and medium-sized enterprises and creating opportunities for greater participation of business communities in regional trade.

Another proposal by the Chairman of ACCI was the establishment of a systematic mechanism to identify and address trade barriers among member states, allowing Chambers of Commerce to collect the actual challenges faced by traders and present them, together with specific solutions, to governments and relevant institutions.

The Chairman of ACCI also emphasized that ECO’s meetings and specialized committees should become increasingly results-oriented, with clear objectives, timelines, and follow-up mechanisms established for decisions taken.

He noted that the success of regional economic cooperation should not be measured solely by the number of meetings held; rather, actual growth in trade, investment, regional connectivity, and cooperation among member states should serve as the primary measures of success.

Emphasis on Increasing Intra-Regional Trade:
Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi identified increased intra-regional trade among ECO member states as an important priority and expressed the readiness of Afghanistan’s private sector to expand trade, investment, transit, and joint-production cooperation with all member states.

He emphasized that the economic prosperity of any country in the region cannot be defined separately from the economic prosperity of its neighbors. If the trade routes of member states become interconnected, barriers to the movement of goods and capital are reduced, and investor confidence is strengthened, ECO countries will be able to build a stronger and more competitive economic region.

Emphasizing the need to move from geographic proximity toward economic integration, the Chairman of ACCI called for a shift from limited bilateral trade toward regional value chains and from general dialogue toward tangible economic projects and results.

Emphasis on Resuming In-Person Meetings:
During the meeting, Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh emphasized the important role of regional economic cooperation and identified the political and military conflicts in the region as among the factors that had reduced regular in-person meetings in recent years.

He stressed the need to resume face-to-face meetings and direct interactions among members and encouraged the organization’s members, in coordination with their respective governments, to facilitate travel, expand B2B meetings among traders and investors, develop and coordinate transportation and logistics networks, and regularly organize meetings among the leadership of chambers and economic institutions of member states.

Afghanistan Ready to Host the Next ECO Meeting:
At the conclusion of the meeting, the issue of selecting the host for the next in-person meeting was discussed.

Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, on behalf of Afghanistan’s private sector, invited the heads and leadership of the Chambers of Commerce of ECO member states and announced Afghanistan’s and ACCI’s readiness to host the next in-person meeting in Kabul.

The proposal was welcomed by the participants, while Afghanistan’s readiness to host the upcoming meeting was also welcomed by the organization’s leadership and representatives of several member states.
The meeting was also attended by Mr. Mirajan Sulaimankhel, Deputy for Policy and Government Relations; Mr. Arian Zalgai Azimi, Deputy for Investment; and Mr. Faiz Ahmad Khawafi, Deputy for Provincial Affairs of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment.

The next meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is scheduled to be held in November of this year.

Holding the meeting in Kabul could provide an important opportunity for the direct participation and interaction of the leadership of chambers from member states, the presentation of Afghanistan’s economic capacities and investment opportunities, and practical discussions on trade, transit, investment, regional connectivity, and the expansion of direct relations among the private sectors of member states.

The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment considers hosting this meeting an important step toward strengthening Afghanistan’s economic position in the region, introducing the country as an economic and transit connectivity bridge, and expanding trade and investment relations with ECO member states.