EconomyIran and Afghanistan Sign Border Trade Agreement in Nimroz
Iranian and Afghan officials signed a 23-article memorandum in Nimroz to expand border trade, upgrade crossing infrastructure, and allocate commercial space in the Chabahar Free Zone. The agreement includes plans to open local markets at three border crossings and install new scanning equipment.
ReliableAfghan Workers Cite Economic Hardship and Safety Concerns on International Workers' Day
On International Workers’ Day, Afghan laborers report struggling with low daily wages, high unemployment, and unsafe working conditions, while the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs emphasizes its commitment to international labor standards and ongoing training programs.
ReliableMinistry Monitors Water Release and Distribution at Salma Dam
The Ministry of Water and Energy is monitoring the distribution of water released from the Salma Dam on April 24 and providing farmers with guidance to ensure equitable allocation and prevent waste.
ReliableTrial 5G Telecom Services Launched in Kabul
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has launched a trial of fifth-generation telecom services in Kabul, with officials meeting telecom executives to discuss expanding coverage and improving network quality nationwide.
ReliableRussia to Remain in OPEC+ Following UAE Withdrawal, Officials Say
Russia confirmed it will remain in OPEC+ after the UAE announced its withdrawal, with officials warning the move could disrupt production coordination and increase market volatility. Moscow emphasized its commitment to stabilizing global oil markets and maintaining energy dialogue with Abu Dhabi.
ReliableMinistry of Public Works Reports Over 873,000 Metric Tons of Cargo Moved via Rail Last Month
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Works reported that nearly 874,000 metric tons of cargo, including over 9,200 tons of exports, were transported via four railway border crossings last month. Officials stated that ongoing infrastructure improvements aim to boost trade volumes and strengthen economic stability.
ReliableAfghan and Uzbek Private Sectors Sign 16 Trade Agreements Worth $16 Million
Afghan and Uzbek private sector representatives have signed 16 trade agreements worth over $16 million during a business meeting in Surkhandarya province. The deals cover agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, with officials pledging to improve cross-border transit and economic cooperation.
ReliableTesting Bench for Three-Phase Electricity Meters Activated in Khost
A fifty-thousand-dollar testing facility for three-phase electricity meters has been activated at the Khost Provincial Electricity Directorate to improve billing accuracy and allow local meter verification. Officials stated the equipment will eliminate the need for residents to travel to Kabul for technical assessments and enhance service transparency.
ReliableIslamic Emirate Launches 880 Million Afghani Electricity Project in Sar-e-Pol Districts
The Islamic Emirate has launched an 880 million Afghani electricity project in three Sar-e-Pol districts, expected to power over 27,000 families and create 500 jobs upon completion in three years.
ReliableAfghanistan and Shanghai Chambers of Commerce Sign Trade Cooperation Memorandum
A delegation from the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment met with Shanghai business leaders and Chinese investors to discuss economic collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative. The meetings concluded with the signing of a formal trade cooperation memorandum between the two chambers of commerce.
ReliableWork Begins on Three Electricity Projects in Northern Afghanistan
The Ministry of Water and Energy has launched three electricity projects in Jawzjan, Sar-e Pol, and Faryab provinces, funded at nearly 4 billion Afghanis from the Islamic Emirate’s domestic budget. The three-year initiative aims to provide reliable power to thousands of households in northern Afghanistan.
ReliableCommercial Market Opened in Taloqan at Cost of 24 Million Afghanis
A new commercial market named Tut Bagh has opened in Taloqan, Takhar province, following a two-year construction project funded by the municipal development budget. Local officials stated the facility will improve conditions for merchants and stimulate regional economic activity.
ReliableIslamic Emirate Launches Three Electricity Projects Worth 1.12 Billion Afghanis in Faryab
Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar inaugurated three electricity projects in Faryab province valued at 1.12 billion Afghanis. Funded by the Islamic Emirate and built by private contractors over three years, the initiative aims to upgrade transmission lines and substations to reduce regional power shortages.
ReliableOil Extraction Begins at Five Wells in Jawzjan Province
Experimental oil extraction has begun at five wells in Jawzjan province, with initial daily output of 500 cubic meters expected to rise to 1,200 tons as all 12 wells become operational. Officials stated the project is managed by Afghan engineers and aims to boost domestic energy production and local employment.
UnverifiedKawish Announces Initiatives to Expand Railway Infrastructure
Kawish has announced ongoing initiatives to develop and expand Afghanistan’s railway infrastructure as part of broader economic and transportation strategies. Further project details and implementation timelines are expected to be released as planning progresses.
ReliableConstruction of $160 Million Cement Factory to Begin in Jawzjan Province
The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum announced the start of construction for a $160 million cement factory in Jawzjan province, which is expected to produce 3,000 tons daily and create 5,000 jobs.
ReliableAfghanistan Standards Authority Rejects Substandard Battery Shipment at Iranian Border Port
The Afghanistan Standards and Quality Authority has returned a twenty-six point six tonne shipment of substandard batteries at the Sheikh Abu Nasr Farahi border port. Officials reiterated their zero-tolerance policy on harmful imports and ongoing quality control measures to protect public health.
ReliableAfghan Electricity Company Delegation Secures Russian Cooperation for Power Grid Development
A delegation from Afghanistan’s national power company met with Russian energy firms to secure investment and technical cooperation for grid expansion and staff training. Russian technical teams are scheduled to visit Afghanistan soon to assess and implement joint power projects.
ReliableConstruction Begins on Oil and Gas Company Building in Maidan Wardak
Construction has begun on a three-story administrative building for the Islamic Emirate’s Oil and Gas Company in Maidan Wardak province, funded at 6.5 million Afghanis. The project launch coincides with the recent inauguration of a 2.6-kilometer road in Jalrez District.
ReliablePoultry Production Expands in Helmand Province
Helmand province officials report that two local poultry factories are producing 450,000 chicks monthly, meeting half of the region's demand. Plans are underway to open additional district markets to boost sales, create jobs, and reduce import reliance.