Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs: Export Processing Zones to be Established in Six Provinces Including Kabul

Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, participated in the National Export Day celebration, on July 11, 2024. Speaking at the event, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of trade relations between countries to meet their respective needs through exports and imports. He highlighted that countries with higher export volumes see significant growth in domestic production and accelerated economic development. Mullah Baradar assured all export companies in Afghanistan that the Islamic Emirate's export-oriented economic policies will elevate the country's export levels, ensuring that all surplus production is commercially exported to other countries. Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund announced that, under the directive of the esteemed Amir al-Mu'minin Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzada, export processing zones meeting international standards will be established in six provinces, including Kabul. The land transfer and ownership processes for these zones have been completed, and they will soon be operational to standardize exports. Referring to the export process, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that exports are currently conducted from 13 provinces to various countries around the world. The Islamic Emirate has set up offices in these provinces to facilitate and expedite the export process, significantly reducing the time required for export procedures. Mullah Baradar Akhund mentioned that efforts are being made to find potential and alternative markets for Afghan export goods in the region and globally, with progress already achieved in negotiating preferential tariffs. He called on all exporters to ensure their exports meet international standards, preserving the country's reputation, and to remain vigilant against competitors who may attempt to undermine Afghanistan's exports. He stressed the importance of exporting finished products instead of raw materials, aligning with the Islamic Emirate's economic policies. Processing raw materials domestically will create opportunities for new factories to operate. Addressing the National Export Day gathering, Mullah Baradar Akhund revealed that the Islamic Emirate is negotiating with reputable international companies to standardize all national ports, aiming to enhance the quality and quantity of exports. This initiative is expected to have a significant positive impact on the country's export sector. To ensure transparent and reliable exports, Mullah Baradar Akhund urged all security agencies to prevent smuggling, impose severe penalties on offenders, and protect the efforts of the Islamic Emirate and traders. In conclusion, Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund appealed to national traders to build cold storage facilities in accordance with international standards to prevent the deterioration of manufactured goods and agricultural products.