KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Kazakhstan and Taliban authorities have signed $140 million in new trade agreements in a bid to expand economic ties, officials announced during a business forum in Kabul.
The agreements, finalized during an official visit by a Kazakh delegation, include the export of agricultural products and textiles to Afghanistan.
More than 400 business leaders and officials attended the Afghanistan-Kazakhstan Business Forum, where Kazakh manufacturers showcased goods from various sectors.
Kazakh representatives also signed memorandums of cooperation with the Taliban-run Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Afghanistan Chamber of Industries and Mines, and the International Exhibition Center of Afghanistan. These deals build on an economic cooperation roadmap signed in October 2024.
Kazakhstan’s engagement follows its decision in June 2024 to remove the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations. At a regional summit in Almaty, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described Afghanistan’s integration into regional trade as a strategic priority.
Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, trade between the two countries has grown steadily. In 2022, mutual trade approached $1 billion, with Afghan imports heavily reliant on Kazakh flour, which accounted for 70 percent of the volume.
More than 50 Kazakh-Afghan joint ventures currently operate in Kazakhstan, mainly in the trade sector.
Kazakhstan has also shown interest in Afghanistan’s transport infrastructure. A protocol of intent was signed this week to develop the Turgundi-Herat-Kandahar-Spin Boldak railway line, following a visit by Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, Serik Zhumangarin.
Officials said Afghanistan’s location near South Asia and major markets such as Pakistan, India, and the Middle East makes it a key hub for regional trade expansion.
