H.E Mawlawi Abdul Kabir , Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan met with Mr. Zhao Sheng, the Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan and his accompanying delegation at his Office.
During the meeting, Ambassador Zhao Sheng stated that the groundwork for economic and commercial projects in Afghanistan has been laid. He stressed the importance of fostering cooperation between China and Afghanistan in various sectors.
Ambassador Zhao Sheng highlighted a significant increase in Afghanistan’s exports to China, which have risen by 11.5 percent this year, with forecasts indicating a further 25 percent growth in the coming year. He also mentioned that, beginning in early December 2024, the Chinese government will implement a tax exemption for Afghan exports. This initiative is expected to greatly enhance the export of Afghan products to China and generate job opportunities for many Afghans.
Ambassador Zhao Sheng also outlined plans for a new economic corridor linking Afghanistan and China through Tajikistan. This initiative will be on the agenda at an upcoming trilateral meeting with representatives from Tajikistan, China, and Afghanistan. He highlighted the significance of activating the Wakhan corridor as a key component of this project.
The ambassador, commenting on the developing situation in Afghanistan, expressed China’s interest in investing across various sectors within the country and executing relevant projects. He noted China’s advocacy for Afghan development at international forums and its calls for the global community to undertake projects within Afghanistan. He encouraged dialogue and negotiation as a means to address existing challenges.
H.E Mawlawi Abdul Kabir , Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs welcomed Mr. Zhao Sheng and acknowledged China’s tax exemption initiative regarding Afghan exports.
He remarked that this measure would benefit Afghan entrepreneurs and strengthen the national economy. Moreover, he called on other neighboring countries to pursue similar initiatives.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed appreciation for China’s supportive stance toward the Islamic Emirate on the international stage and conveyed hope for the continuation of this support.
He noted that the Wakhan corridor is a pivotal development in the bilateral relations between Afghanistan and China, emphasizing that its completion would greatly enhance economic and commercial exchanges between the two countries.