Vision for Afghanistan’s Economic Growth, Investment, and Transparent Contracts | Meeting with National Investors:

(Translation)

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Honorable Mr. Zakhilwal, Mr. Shinwari, Mr. Alkozai, distinguished leaders, and investors of Afghanistan: Peace be upon you, and God’s mercy. Today is a day of mixed emotions—grief, but also hope.

This morning, in Badakhshan, we mourned the loss of our young people; today, in Nangarhar, our children faced yet another ruthless attack. Let there be no doubt: those who think these acts of violence will make us bow our heads are mistaken. Afghans do not yield to force. Our national spirit is unbreakable. I begin by praying for the souls of our martyrs and asking for the highest paradise for them. Today, the Afghan Parliament has honored the nation by approving the full cabinet with unity and consensus. On behalf of the government, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Parliament and the Afghan people.

Until now, our economic sector has faced stagnation, in part because key ministers could not be confirmed. Without an approved cabinet, we could not implement major reforms or establish effective policy. Yet, during this period, we have not remained idle. Fundamental measures have been taken, and starting tomorrow, God willing, with my trip to Iran and beyond, we will activate Afghanistan’s economic engine. I bring three clear messages to you:

First: Afghanistan is ready for investment. Anyone who invests $50 million can meet with me personally. 

Second: Those investing over $200 million are invited to my office in the Presidential Palace, where I will personally oversee project implementation.

Third: Beginning next week, we will meet sector by sector.

I propose structuring our discussions into three main areas:

1. The Industrial Sector: Despite yesterday being a Friday, I reviewed the aviation sector because we must plan and organize in advance. We will meet sector by sector across 18 industrial areas to identify specific challenges before addressing broader issues.
2. The Commercial Sector: Trade must be balanced according to national needs. With imports currently thirty times our exports, Afghanistan cannot thrive. Together, we will transform Afghanistan into an export-oriented economy. Transit trade will open new avenues, positioning Afghanistan as a regional hub for commerce.
3. The Contractual Sector: We must address contractual matters carefully. From my review, Afghan companies have faced undue pressure and delays. Contracts will now be transparent, fairly executed, and free from coercion. The government will support Afghan companies, ensuring that at least 15% of production is locally sourced, enabling competitiveness.
4. Transit and Regional Cooperation: Mr. Zakhilwal and Mr. Shinwari will provide details regarding your transit concerns. Recent discussions with Pakistan’s Trade Minister have resolved some foundational issues, yet challenges remain. 

We will listen closely to your input and ensure progress continues. Additional Points: The Lapis Lazuli corridor is advancing. Negotiations with Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Georgia have been productive. Once opened, this corridor will greatly enhance Afghanistan’s role as the crossroads of Asia. My visit to Iran tomorrow will address transit and trade challenges, seeking solutions that treat bilateral relations as an integrated package rather than isolated issues.

Afghanistan’s relationships with neighbors must be grounded in equality and rule of law. Tariffs will reflect our national interests and can be adjusted seasonally to support growth. With the cabinet approved, the economic sector is now fully operational. All previously funded projects have been reviewed.

The funds exist, provided by God, but have not been fully utilized. These resources will now be targeted toward small, high-impact projects with measurable results within four years, benefiting both the Afghan people and private sector.

Finally, the government’s procurement system will undergo fundamental reform. Ministries’ demands—water, juice, poultry, and meat—will prioritize Afghan producers, ensuring they participate meaningfully in the value chain. Our goal is clear: Afghan companies must see sustainable, long-term benefits from their work.