Russian Traders Visit Kabul to Explore Trade, Investment Opportunities

A number of Russian traders and company representatives have arrived in Kabul to explore the Afghan market and identify investment and trade opportunities.

During a meeting with officials from the Kabul Dried Fruit Exporters Union, they emphasized expanding economic cooperation and increasing trade between the two countries.

The visit is aimed at exploring opportunities in Afghanistan’s fruit and vegetable, dried fruit, pharmaceutical, construction, oil and gas, and healthcare sectors.

Stepan Polyansky, a Russian businessman, said: “We formed a trade delegation and brought together several companies to explore the Afghan market. Our journey began in Tashkent and Termez, and we entered Afghanistan through the Termez-Hairatan border crossing.”

Khabib Kelmukhametov, another Russian businessman, said: “The Soviet Union and Afghanistan have a long history of cooperation and engagement. I am very pleased to be in Afghanistan and to learn about the people, culture and business sectors of the country.”

Meanwhile, the Kabul Dried Fruit Exporters Union says Russian traders’ interest in the Afghan market could create more opportunities for exporting Afghan products to Russia.

Mohammad Qasim Amarkhel, head of the union, said: “We are very pleased that Russian traders from various sectors have come to Kabul. We discussed how we can export Afghanistan’s dried fruits to Russia, and fortunately, we had very productive discussions in this regard.”

Officials from the Kabul Dried Fruit Exporters Union also consider Russia a promising market for Afghan products, saying that removing existing barriers could help expand trade ties and increase exports.