Kazakhstan is actively working to significantly expand its trade relations with Afghanistan. Kazakh officials and media outlets have announced plans to increase the bilateral trade volume from the current level of approximately $500 million per year to $3 billion in the coming years.
Kabul 24: This ambitious target reflects Astana’s growing interest in strengthening economic ties with Kabul, particularly through enhanced cooperation in logistics, infrastructure, and transit routes.
According to recent reports, the current trade between the two countries is heavily skewed toward Kazakh exports. The main items include grains, flour, and other agricultural products. As one of the region’s leading grain producers, Kazakhstan serves as a reliable supplier of food commodities to meet Afghanistan’s needs.
The Afghan Ministry of Industry and Commerce has released similar figures. Spokesperson Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad stated that trade between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan reached $565 million in 2025.
Of this amount, Afghanistan’s exports accounted for only $55 million, while imports from Kazakhstan totaled $510 million. This imbalance highlights Afghanistan’s position as a net importer in the relationship.
Economic analyst Qutbuddin Yaqubi described the opportunities offered by Kazakhstan as a suitable chance for Afghanistan, especially in developing the country’s economic infrastructure. He believes closer cooperation with Kazakhstan could support broader economic growth in Afghanistan.
However, Afghan experts caution against over-reliance on imports. Abdul Jabbar Safi, head of the Kabul Industrialists’ Association, warned: “If we depend solely on imports and our imports far exceed our exports, it will not be economically beneficial for Afghanistan.
We must find solutions to identify which Afghan products can enter the Kazakh market smoothly and help strengthen the country’s exports.”Earlier, Amir Khan Muttaqi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, speaking at the Consultative Dialogue on Afghanistan and Central Asia held in Kabul, noted that over the past nearly five years, Afghanistan’s ties with Central Asian countries have seen remarkable progress in economic, trade, and transit sectors.
He added that the ground is now prepared for further expansion of these partnerships.
Kazakhstan’s push toward the $3 billion target is expected to go beyond simply increasing exports of grains and agricultural goods. It includes potential investments in infrastructure, logistics, and joint projects.
Kazakh officials emphasize developing new transit corridors that could position Afghanistan as a vital bridge connecting Central Asia with South Asia.
Experts believe achieving this goal will require diversifying Afghan export products, reducing customs barriers, improving border infrastructure, and promoting joint investments. If both sides manage to create a more balanced trade relationship, the expansion could prove mutually beneficial: Kazakhstan would gain a larger market for its products, while Afghanistan would secure access to more affordable food supplies and new investment opportunities.
Overall, this initiative by Kazakhstan could open a new chapter in economic relations between Afghanistan and Central Asian nations, contributing to regional stability and prosperity. Its success will depend on strong political will, practical coordination, and a focus on shared interests.
