The Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Afghanistan has announced a new chapter in economic and trade relations between Kabul and Minsk.
Kabul 24: In a recent development highlighting Afghanistan’s strategy to diversify regional trade and attract foreign investment, senior economic officials from both nations met to explore pathways for expanding bilateral cooperation.
According to official reports, Ahmadullah Zahid, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce of Afghanistan, met with a high-level delegation from the Republic of Belarus to discuss key economic initiatives.
The Belarusian delegation—comprising Vladimir Mirkovich Ryzhkovsky, Deputy Minister of Commerce; Vladimir Silivich Sizov, Deputy Head of the Belarusian Oil Company; and Gennady Vikentevich Kliga, Vice President of the Belarusian Investment Chamber—raised critical axes for joint market development.
The discussions covered increasing trade volume, facilitating Afghan exports, securing stable petroleum imports, creating attractive terms for foreign investors, and deepening joint projects across the industrial and energy sectors.
The primary outcome of the meeting was Belarus’s explicit readiness to export and transit refined petroleum products directly to Afghanistan.
Belarusian officials assured that the necessary mechanisms and commitments would be put in place to sign direct agreements with both Afghan state institutions and private sector entities. This step is expected to play a crucial role in securing Afghanistan’s energy supply and stabilizing domestic fuel prices.
Beyond petroleum supplies, both sides emphasized the effective utilization of existing economic potential. Establishing joint investment ventures, streamlining trade protocols, and fostering practical engagement between business sectors were key priorities.
The Belarusian delegation affirmed that steps toward implementing these discussions and drafting formal agreements would begin promptly.
These diplomatic and economic movements come as Afghanistan actively pursues a broader strategy to boost domestic production capacity, reduce unilateral dependencies, expand transit corridors, and foster constructive engagement with regional and global economies.
Experts note that Belarus’s active involvement could provide a strong foundation for trade growth, industrial modernization, and energy market stability in Afghanistan.
