Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Arrives in Kabul for Afghanistan–Kazakhstan Business Forum
Serik Zhumangarin, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister, arrived in Kabul on Monday leading a high-level government and business delegation to attend the Afghanistan–Kazakhstan Business Forum. The forum aims to strengthen economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
According to a statement from the Taliban’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Zhumangarin and his delegation are expected to meet with senior Taliban officials during the visit.
Speaking to reporters at Kabul airport, Zhumangarin said trade between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan reached around $1 billion last year, but has declined in recent months. He noted that Kazakhstan is working to establish a transit route connecting China to Afghanistan through Kazakhstan.
He also highlighted that Kazakhstan exports grains, including wheat and oil, to Afghanistan, while importing vegetables and fruits from the country.
The business forum is scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, bringing together Kazakhstani officials, Taliban representatives, and private sector stakeholders from both countries. Discussions will focus on opportunities in trade, investment, and transit.
Kazakhstan is one of the Central Asian countries that has maintained cautious engagement with the Taliban since their return to power in August 2021, mostly through trade and humanitarian channels.