Officials from the Islamic Emirate and China held discussions on reducing tariffs on Afghan export goods and strengthening bilateral economic ties.

Ahmadullah Zahid, deputy minister of industry and commerce, in a meeting with the deputy of China’s customs administration, requested tariff reductions to help Afghan products compete in Chinese markets.

Zahid also emphasized the need for agricultural agreements, the initiation of direct flights to all major Chinese cities, and facilitating the transport of Afghan goods.

Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, stated: "The process of signing a general memorandum of understanding in the agriculture sector between Afghanistan and China should be expedited. Before that, Afghan dried fruits, medicinal herbs, saffron, and fresh fruits—especially pomegranates—should be exempt from quarantine regulations."

The deputy of China’s customs administration announced that China has already eliminated tariffs on Afghan export goods, creating favorable conditions for expanding bilateral trade.

Mohammad Karim Azimi, an economic analyst, noted: "Our country must maintain strong economic ties with China and connect to the recent transit developments, including the Wakhan Corridor. This route revives the historic Silk Road and can elevate Afghanistan’s status in the region."

Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment regards China as one of the region’s key economic powers and stresses the importance of strengthening commercial and economic relations with it.

Jan Agha Naveed, spokesperson for the chamber, said: "China is one of the most significant economic players in the region and the world’s second-largest economy. As a close neighbor, we must capitalize on this opportunity. Our economic relations with China must expand, and we should further develop the Wakhan Corridor to facilitate trade and exchanges."

This comes after the acting foreign minister of Afghanistan, during his visit to China last week, highlighted the importance of China’s development projects in Afghanistan and proposed a series of actionable initiatives to be prioritized in the country’s reconstruction agenda.