The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has announced the convening of a joint meeting between 130 Afghan and Turkish companies from sectors including minerals, construction, medical, and pharmaceuticals.
Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson for the ministry, stated that during the meeting, attended by the acting minister of Industry and Commerce, topics such as increasing trade between the two countries, resolving transit and transportation challenges, and activating the Lapis Lazuli corridor were discussed.
“Speakers at the meeting emphasized strengthening trade between the two countries, and the Turkish side expressed its readiness to cooperate with Afghanistan and other countries to activate the Lapis Lazuli corridor,” Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad said.
The Afghan-Turk Businessmen’s Union based in Istanbul stated that three key issues were discussed during the meeting.
“The most important topics of this meeting included attracting Turkish investors to Afghanistan, reducing trade tariffs, and facilitating visa conditions for Afghan businessmen,” said Ezatullah Sadat, head of the union.
The Chamber of Commerce and Investment emphasized that the Lapis Lazuli corridor could facilitate Afghanistan’s exports to Turkey and from there to European countries.
Jan Aqa Naveed, spokesperson for the chamber, added: “The Lapis Lazuli route can connect Afghanistan to Europe via land, air, and sea.”
According to information from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Turkish companies have expressed interest in investing in areas such as agriculture, mining, energy, Islamic banking, and legal affairs in Afghanistan.
Both sides also emphasized establishing a joint trade chamber, organizing trade exhibitions, and continuing to hold such meetings.