Taliban Pursues Economic Self-Sufficiency and Foreign Investment for Afghanistan – Minister, Reuters

By Mohammad Yunus Yawar

KABUL – The Taliban administration is prioritizing self-sufficiency and is eager to foster international trade and investment, according to Haji Nooruddin Azizi, the acting commerce minister. This push comes as Afghanistan grapples with increased isolation and the suspension of certain humanitarian operations due to restrictions placed on women.

“We will initiate a national self-sufficiency program and encourage government entities to utilize domestic products. Additionally, we aim to motivate the public through mosques to support local products,” Azizi stated. “We will endorse any items that contribute to our self-sufficiency efforts.”

Azizi also emphasized the importance of enhancing trade and attracting foreign investment. “Importers who have been bringing products into Afghanistan are now asking for opportunities to invest here rather than continuing to rely on imports,” he explained.

He noted that countries such as Iran, Russia, and China have shown interest in trade and investment opportunities. Ongoing discussions include projects like Chinese industrial parks and thermal power plants, with participation from both Russia and Iran.

Despite the lack of formal recognition and sanctions impacting the banking sector, potential investors are increasingly worried about security, particularly following recent attacks on foreign entities in Kabul attributed to the Islamic State. A recent attack on a hotel frequented by Chinese businessmen, which injured several foreigners, raised concerns about investment prospects.

Azizi assured that authorities are focused on maintaining security. “We are doing everything possible to protect our businessmen. While this attack has not had an adverse impact, continuous incidents may affect the investment climate,” he noted.

He outlined a plan to develop the industrial sector by establishing special economic zones on land previously used by U.S. military bases. This proposal is currently being presented to the administration’s cabinet and economic commission.

Furthermore, Azizi highlighted that foreign investors are expressing interest in Afghanistan’s mining industry, which is estimated to be worth over $1 trillion. He mentioned that recent auctions for an iron mine in western Herat and a lead mine in central Ghor province attracted participation from 40 companies, with the results set to be announced soon.

He also revealed that a significant contract signed with Russia in September for gas, oil, and wheat supplies is expected to result in deliveries to Afghanistan in the near future.

The Taliban-led administration is encountering heightened isolation due to recent policies that restrict women’s participation in public life, including their access to higher education. An order prohibiting female NGO workers has created turmoil in the humanitarian sector, which is critical in delivering aid to millions, with some organizations ceasing operations amid severe winter conditions.

Azizi, while not addressing the new restrictions directly, mentioned that his ministry has allocated five acres of land for a permanent exhibition center aimed at fostering women-led businesses. “We always support women investors,” he affirmed.