SAARC Report Highlights Stability in Afghanistan's Banking Sector and Trade Growth

A report by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation assesses positively Afghanistan's economic performance, citing stability in the banking sector and growth in trade during the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

The report indicates that Afghanistan's banking sector has moved toward stability. The afghani has strengthened by 11.21 percent against the dollar. Bank facilities and cash withdrawal limits have increased compared to 2021. The bank guarantee ceiling was raised from 300,000 afghanis to 10 million afghanis. Licenses were issued to seven small financing institutions, and four new Islamic banking products were approved. A national digital payments strategy has been drafted, with commercial banks participating in national projects. The report notes ongoing challenges in international financial links.

Regarding trade, imports rose 37 percent to 11.7 billion dollars, while exports stood at 1.74 billion dollars with a slight decrease. The report views the increased imports of capital goods as positive for future economic growth.

Da Afghanistan Bank spokesperson Habiburrahman Nuri stated that the SAARC report positively evaluates the bank's performance, including Islamic financial products and digital banking.

Economic expert Abdul Haseeb Safi said Afghanistan's trade has diversified to include Iran, China, and Central Asian countries.