Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi, who led a delegation to Kazakhstan, called for improved trade and transit between the countries, and encouraged investment in Afghanistan.

Speaking at a gathering in Astana, Azizi said such “gatherings are good opportunities” for trade.

“I believe these meetings provide a proper opportunity to improve our trade and business engagement,” he said.

“In this big exhibition, in addition to the private sector, the senior officials of the Islamic Emirate and friend country Kazakhstan exist,” said Tawakul Ahmdyar, general director of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment.

This comes as traders said there is a need for the removal of banking restrictions and bilateral contracts between the two countries to pave the way for the enhancement of trade.

“The establishment of a joint market between the two countries should be the main discussion between the two countries,” said Mabubullah Mohammadi, a trader.

The officials within the ACCI, meanwhile, said that they are trying to get connected to China through Kazakhstan.

Azizi left Kabul for Kazakhstan on Tuesday to attend an exhibition on Thursday, where Afghan traders have 70 stalls.