KABUL (TOLONews): Nooruddin Azizi, the acting Minister of Industry and Commerce, has stated that Turkish businesspeople are eager to invest in Afghanistan’s agriculture and mining sectors.
Azizi, who is currently visiting Turkey, aims to not only expand trade relations with the country but also attract more investments to Afghanistan.
On the sidelines of the Istanbul Halal Exhibition, he met with Afghan investors and businesspeople residing in Turkey, encouraging them to invest within Afghanistan. The acting Minister of Industry and Commerce said: “Our primary agenda with them was to invite them to Afghanistan to invest there. Some companies already have interactions with Afghanistan, and for those who don’t, I am confident that this exchange will benefit both of them and their companies as they invest in Afghanistan.”
Mohammad Azim, the acting consul general of Afghanistan in Istanbul, stated: “Our request is for them to return to the homeland and actively contribute to the country’s development and improvement. We also ask the honorable minister to create more ease and facilities for the traders.” The acting minister further added that the Istanbul Halal Exhibition has provided a platform to market Afghanistan’s domestic products in global markets. Nooruddin Azizi said: “Turkish companies are keenly interested in contributing to Afghanistan’s development and investing in agriculture and mining sectors. They are planning a collective move to come to Afghanistan for investment.”
Meanwhile, some businesspeople and economic experts believe that increasing exports to Turkey and encouraging Turkish investments in Afghanistan could significantly boost job opportunities for Afghan citizens.
Mahboobullah Mohammadi, a businessman, said: “Turkey is one of the key countries for exporting technology in various sectors to Afghanistan. Afghanistan, in turn, can supply essential products such as dried fruits, fresh fruits, minerals, and gemstones, which can be exported to European markets via Turkey.”
Sayed Masood, an economic expert, stated: “The Turks, being mediators between East and West and holding a significant economic influence, have the potential to play a major role in Afghanistan. Their economic power allows them to invest in Afghanistan with ease.”
It is worth noting that yesterday, the acting Minister of Industry and Commerce also met with Turkey’s Minister of Trade and Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Economy, discussing trade development and addressing challenges in the area.
