Kazakhstan Aims to Raise Trade with Afghanistan to $3 Billion, Envoy Says
KABUL (Afghan Verified) -- Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Afghanistan, Gaziz Akbasov, said his country aims to increase annual bilateral trade from $500 million to $3 billion through expanded investments, including in mining and railway projects.
Akbasov made the remarks during a meeting with Mawlawi Abdul Wasi, chief of staff at the Prime Minister's Office of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The envoy stated that Kazakhstan prioritizes strengthening ties with Afghanistan, viewing it as a "second home," and is ready to invest in the country's mining sector following discussions with the deputy prime minister for economic affairs.
He expressed interest in the Torghundi-Herat and Kandahar-Spin Boldak railway projects. Kazakhstan has authorized exports to Afghanistan, including fuel and food products according to Pajhwok Afghan News, or oil and spices according to Radio Television Afghanistan.
Wasi welcomed Kazakhstan's efforts, noting that improved security has created a favorable environment for development and investment. He emphasized that the Islamic Emirate prioritizes such initiatives for self-sufficiency and pledged to follow up on the matters.
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Where reports agree
- Meeting occurred between named Ambassador Gaziz Akbasov and Mawlawi Abdul Wasi/Dr. Mullah Abdul Wase.
- Current trade volume ~$500M/year; aim to reach $3B.
- Kazakhstan prioritizes relations expansion via investment/trade.
- Readiness to invest in mining sector after discussions with Economic Deputy PM.
- Interest and $500M investment pledge in Torghundi-Herat and Kandahar-Spin Boldak railways.
- Authorization of exports (fuel/food or oil/spices) to boost trade.
- Wasi highlighted security enabling investment and IEA priority for self-sufficiency.
Where reports differ
- Minor name variations: Mawlawi Abdul Wasi vs. Dr. Mullah Abdul Wase.
- Export items: fuel and food products (Pajhwok) vs. oil and spices (RTA).
- RTA adds Wasi's appreciation of efforts and assurance of follow-up, not in Pajhwok.
- Spelling: Torghundi (Pajhwok) vs. Turgundi (RTA).
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