Deputy PM for Economic Affairs: The world should expand economic relations with the Islamic Emirate instead of sanctions and pressures

The Deputy PM for Economic Affairs, Mullah Baradar Akhund, today, Saturday, December, 20, 2025, during his remarks at the ceremony marking the commencement of work on a commercial market in Balkh Province, called on countries in the region and around the world to soften and expand economic relations with the Islamic Emirate instead of imposing sanctions and unjustified pressures. He added that a prosperous and strong Afghanistan in the region is not detrimental to other countries; rather, it contributes to their prosperity and strength.

The Deputy PM stated that the Islamic Emirate believes in comprehensive economic and political authenticity in regional and international cooperation, provided that there is mutual respect for fundamental values and principles.

He further noted that the Islamic Emirate’s engagement with the private sector in major long-term projects—through public–private partnerships or other contractual arrangements—conveys a clear message that the environment for domestic and foreign investment in Afghanistan is conducive, and that anyone can benefit from this opportunity.

This eight-storey commercial market in Mazar-e-Sharif, being constructed on 600 square meters of land belonging to the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs with an investment of 743 million Afghanis, will include 870 shops, four restaurants, a guesthouse, a mosque, and parking facilities. The construction of the market will be completed within two years, and an annual lease payment of 43 million Afghanis will be made to the Emirate’s treasury each year.