Despite international trade and banking sanctions and continued diplomatic isolation, the Taliban’s Ministry of Commerce has reiterated its commitment to balancing Afghanistan’s imports and exports.
In a joint meeting with the private sector, the ministry claimed that achieving economic self-sufficiency remains a key objective.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Taliban’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce announced a meeting focused on facilitating the transportation of large commercial and transit shipments through the Herat-Khaf and Hairatan-China railway routes.
Nooruddin Azizi, the Taliban’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, stressed the need for trade balance, stating that their goal is to attain economic independence. “Trade will continue with the transfer of goods at reasonable rates. If shipment volumes increase, exports will also grow, ultimately stabilising the value of the national currency,” he said.
Ahmadullah Zahid, the Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, also underscored the Taliban’s efforts to achieve economic self-reliance. He highlighted the fight against administrative corruption, the reduction of bureaucracy, and urged Afghan investors abroad to invest in the country with confidence.
However, despite the Taliban’s emphasis on trade balance, Afghanistan continues to face a significant trade deficit. Currently, 90 percent of the country’s consumer goods are imported.
According to the National Statistics and Information Authority, Afghanistan’s imports reached $8.6 billion over the past nine months, while exports stood at just $1.3 billion. The country primarily produces agricultural and livestock products but relies heavily on imports for most other essential goods. Additionally, Afghan companies still lack the capacity to export agricultural goods on a larger scale.
International banking and trade sanctions have further worsened Afghanistan’s economic struggles. The Taliban’s promises to boost exports come as their government remains unrecognised by the international community.
A recent World Bank report warned that the sharp decline in foreign aid, economic isolation, and uncertainty in financial policies have left Afghanistan’s economy in a fragile state.
