KABUL (SW) – The third round of the “Imam Abu Hanifa” exhibition opened in Kabul on Sunday, October 6, attended by officials from the Islamic Emirate, diplomats from regional countries, and several domestic investors.
Nooruddin Azizi, Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce (MoIC), said that the exhibition aims to expand trade relations, promote domestic products, and enhance marketing efforts. “A variety of domestic products and items from other countries have been showcased. This exhibition is an opportunity to introduce and market local products. Although Afghanistan’s trade growth is slow, it is gradually increasing,” he added.
Azizi emphasized the commitment of the de-facto government of the Islamic Emirate to attracting investments and addressing challenges faced by investors.
Yonus Momand, Deputy Head of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, highlighted the need for better facilitation for traders to boost economic growth and enhance commercial transactions in Afghanistan.
“The government’s taxation system poses challenges for traders and should be made more transparent. Additionally, the lack of a transportation system and transit issues are further obstacles,” he said.
Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Economic Chief of the Prime Minister’s Office of the Islamic Emirate, remarked that opportunities for investment in various sectors of Afghanistan have now been created. “The environment for any type of investment is available, and foreign investors can utilize this opportunity to invest across different sectors,” he said.
Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, Political Deputy of the de-facto Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate, urged the Pakistani government not to intertwine trade issues with politics and to keep its borders open for Afghan goods.
He added, “We receive hundreds of complaints from Afghan traders daily. Pakistan should open its borders to Afghan traders; raising tariffs on Afghan products is not beneficial for either country,” he said.
The third round of the “Imam Abu Hanifa” Exhibition features not only Afghanistan’s domestic products but also goods from traders in Iran, Pakistan, China, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan.
Several exhibitors at the event expressed that participating in such exhibitions is beneficial for marketing their products.
Esmatullah, an exhibitor, said, “This exhibition is essential for traders, allowing them to showcase what they import, while also providing a platform for our neighbours to sell what they bring to Afghanistan.”
The third National and International Imam Abu Hanifa exhibition will display Afghan domestic products and foreign goods across 700 stalls for six days.
