H.E. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, met today at the Chahar Chinar Palace of the Arg with a delegation headed by Mr. Serik Zhumangarin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs described Afghanistan and Kazakhstan as important trading partners and expressed hope that, through the implementation of the roadmap for cooperation between the two countries, the volume of bilateral trade would reach three billion U.S. dollars.
H.E. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund stated that joint cooperation in the sectors of agriculture, mining, transport, railways, and industry; the expansion of agricultural exports; the strengthening of banking relations; the conclusion of agreements related to agriculture and livestock; technical cooperation in the field of financial markets; the utilization of national currencies; the expansion of transport and logistics cooperation; the proposal for the establishment of a joint center involving Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan; and the establishment of a logistics center at Khorgos Port for goods related to Afghan imports constitute key components of this roadmap.
The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs added that Afghanistan has finalized the draft roadmap on its part and called upon the Kazakh side to finalize the sections pertaining to it and facilitate its implementation.
H.E. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund emphasized the important role of the private sector in expanding economic cooperation and stated that trade exhibitions, joint economic forums, cooperation between chambers of commerce, and increased reciprocal visits by businessmen could create new economic opportunities and elevate the level of investment.
Subsequently, Mr. Serik Zhumangarin delivered remarks and stated that the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan attaches special importance to the expansion of relations and the enhancement of economic cooperation with Afghanistan, and that the present visit was also undertaken upon his instruction.
Mr. Zhumangarin added that his country is prepared to cooperate with Afghanistan in the areas of cardiovascular disease diagnosis, strengthening the security sector, and water management. He stated that Kazakhstan would establish an academic center for water management at Kabul University, which would provide training to Afghan specialists.
During the meeting, discussions were also held on transport, the expansion of exports and imports, the creation of banking facilities, the expeditious finalization of the roadmap for economic cooperation, and a number of other issues. It was emphasized that the relevant technical committees would continue their work in these areas.
