Afghanistan is actively pursuing a transformation from an importing to an exporting nation, according to Sayed Mohammad Karim Hashemi, Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI). Speaking to ABP Live, Hashemi emphasized that the country is 'on the recovery path of business, with a clear focus on turning the country into an export hub, drawing foreign investments and business-friendly reforms.' The ACCI delegation is currently in India on invitation from the Government of India, leveraging historical and cultural ties between the two nations to enhance bilateral trade and market Afghan products. As Hashemi noted, 'Afghanistan is an importing country. First, our focus will be to shift this to an exporting country. That is our main agenda.'
During productive meetings with Indian counterparts, the ACCI has identified key sectors for cooperation including mining, food processing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, sugar factories, and rice. As reported by ABP Live, the ACCI and Assocham have signed an agreement creating a structured framework for facilitating trade, investment, entrepreneurship, innovation and business-to-business engagement between India and Afghanistan. This agreement represents a significant step toward establishing formal cooperation mechanisms between the two countries. The ACCI has had 'very good and productive meetings with our Indian counterparts, the chambers of commerce, as well as the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce' to discuss specific sectoral support requirements.
The current Afghan government has implemented comprehensive measures to attract foreign direct investment, according to Hashemi's statements to ABP Live. The government offers peace and security, land provision, facilitated business licenses, and five years of free tax to encourage foreign companies to invest in the country. These incentives are designed to create a business-friendly environment that supports economic growth and job creation across Afghanistan. As Hashemi explained, 'The Government will provide them with land, facilitate obtaining business licenses and also ensure five years of free tax. All these incentives will be given.' The ACCI operates as an independent, non-political and non-governmental institution with full government support, focusing on bringing more foreign investments into Afghanistan through international business forums and diplomatic engagements.
The ACCI is actively pursuing foreign investment opportunities through multiple international forums and business delegations. As reported by ABP Live, the chamber recently participated in a business forum in Tashkent a week ago, followed by the current visit to India, with plans to visit Kyrgyzstan for another business forum and subsequently travel to China for another session. The ACCI is also engaged with Iranian, Russian and American chambers of commerce and private sectors to bring in investments and create more jobs while countering poverty in Afghanistan. Hashemi emphasized that 'We are trying to travel abroad to bring in more FDI. We will go to all countries interested in working with Afghanistan to bring in investments.'
Regarding the West Asian crisis and its impact on exports, Hashemi maintained a non-political stance during his interview with ABP Live. He expressed optimism about the peace agreement between Iran and America, stating that 'the future of trade in the region will be secure' and expressing hope that regional conflicts would not be repeated in other countries. The ACCI operates as an independent, non-political and non-governmental institution with full government support, focusing on bringing more foreign investments into Afghanistan through international business forums and diplomatic engagements. As Hashemi noted, 'We don't want the same conflicts in any country, and to see people suffering from uncertainty.'
