Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund Emphasizes Swift Finalization of the Afghanistan–Kazakhstan Economic Cooperation Roadmap
The Deputy PM for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, met today, Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Chahar Chinar Palace of the Arg with a delegation led by Serik Zhumangarin, Deputy PM of Kazakhstan and Minister of National Economy.
Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund described Afghanistan and Kazakhstan as important trading partners and expressed hope that the implementation of the bilateral cooperation roadmap would increase trade volume between the two countries to USD 3 billion.
The Deputy PM stated that key components of the roadmap include cooperation in agriculture, mining, transportation, railways, and industry, increasing agricultural exports, strengthening banking relations, agreements related to agriculture and livestock, technical cooperation in financial markets, the use of national currencies in trade transactions, expansion of transport and logistics cooperation, the proposal for a joint center involving Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan; and the establishment of a logistics center for Afghan imports at the Khorgos Port.
He added that Afghanistan has already finalized its part of the draft roadmap and called on the Kazakh side to complete its remaining sections and facilitate its implementation.
He also highlighted the important role of the private sector in expanding economic cooperation noting that trade exhibitions, joint economic forums, cooperation between chambers of commerce, and increased reciprocal visits by businesspeople can create new economic opportunities and boost investment.
Mr. Serik Zhumangarin then addressed the meeting, stating that the President of Kazakhstan places special importance on strengthening relations and expanding economic cooperation with Afghanistan, and that the current visit was undertaken at the President’s direction.
Mr. Zhumangarin further stated that Kazakhstan is prepared to cooperate with Afghanistan in the areas of diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases, strengthening the security sector, and water management.
He announced that Kazakhstan will establish an Academic Center for Water Management at Kabul University, which will provide training for Afghan specialists.
The meeting also included discussions on increasing transportation links, exports and imports, facilitating banking services, accelerating the finalization of the economic cooperation roadmap, and several other issues. Both sides emphasized that the relevant technical committees would continue their work on these matters.
