From Grain To AI: What Kazakhstan Brought To Afghanistan

More than 50 Kazakh companies took part in the annual Kazakhstan–Afghanistan business forum in Kabul, Orda.kz reports, citing the government.

Astana wants to increase trade with Afghanistan almost sixfold — from the current $541.8 million to $3 billion.

The forum was opened by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin and Afghanistan’s Minister of Industry and Trade Haji Nooruddin Azizi.

Kazakhstan was represented by companies from agriculture, mechanical engineering, the chemical industry, IT, as well as state and quasi-state organizations.

Astana sees Afghanistan not only as a promising market, but also as a logistics hub between Central and South Asia. The two sides plan to expand trade, develop digital platforms for business, and attract investment.

Kazakhstan is ready to increase exports of grain, flour, oilseeds, building materials, medicines, and industrial equipment. But officials say the focus is not only on selling goods.

Kazakhstan is interested not only in exports, but also in launching joint production in Afghanistan, especially in food production, agricultural processing, and textiles,Zhumangarin said.

Kazakhstan also presented several technological products at the forum. Afghanistan received a device designed to help patients with respiratory diseases recover. Participants were also shown a mobile AI-based diagnostic complex that can detect various diseases and conduct rapid tests.

Following the forum, the sides are expected to sign an agreement to supply 4,500 units of this equipment to Afghanistan for $45 million.

Original author: Raushan Korzhumbekova

Read also:

• Kazakhstan Sees Afghanistan as Key Regional Link
• Kazakhstan To Host UN Regional Center For Central Asia And Afghanistan
• Afghanistan: Ethnic Kazakhs Seek Return to Homeland Amid Ongoing Instability