A business forum bringing together representatives of the business communities of Kazakhstan and Afghanistan was held in Herat. The Kazakh business delegation was led by Asiet Nussupov, Vice Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Around 12 Kazakh companies interested in expanding cooperation and entering the Afghan market took part in the event.
The forum featured business negotiations and B2B meetings, during which entrepreneurs from the two countries discussed promising areas for expanding bilateral trade, increasing supplies of Kazakh products and implementing new joint projects.
Following the negotiations, Kazakh companies WAYSTAR and Kim Rail International signed two contracts with Afghan company OSMAN KHALID for the supply of wheat worth a total of USD 11 million.
In addition, price terms were finalised for the supply of Kazakh sunflower oil worth around USD 10 million, with the participation of the National Association of Oilseed Processors of Kazakhstan.
The opening ceremony of the third section of the Khaf–Herat railway was also held. Kazakh company Integra Construction KZ LLP participated in its construction.
The parties also reached agreements to continue cooperation in other areas of bilateral trade and maintain direct business contacts between Kazakh and Afghan companies.
As part of the visit, the Kazakh delegation toured the industrial potential of the industrial zone in Herat Province. Representatives of major industrial enterprises presented their production facilities and processes in marble extraction and processing, metal products manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and non-alcoholic beverages.
Kazakhstan continues to expand its trade and economic cooperation with Afghanistan. In the first seven months of 2026, bilateral trade reached USD 581.1 million, exceeding the total trade turnover recorded for the whole of 2025, which amounted to USD 541.6 million.
Kazakhstan’s main exports to Afghanistan include flour, wheat, sunflower oil, metal products and mineral fertilisers. The growth in trade is accompanied by expanding direct contacts between businesses in the two countries.
To further develop business cooperation, Kazakhstan regularly organises trade and economic missions, business forums and B2B meetings. Kazakhstan’s Trade Houses in Kabul and Herat also provide additional opportunities to promote domestic products and establish direct business ties.
The business forum and the agreements reached during the visit are expected to contribute to further expanding bilateral trade, increasing supplies of Kazakh products and strengthening direct cooperation between businesses in the two countries.
