KABUL: Afghanistan is actively pursuing participation in China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, recognizing the potential benefits it holds for the nation’s economic development. This endeavor comes as Second Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi held a meeting with the Chinese ambassador in Kabul, Zhao Xing, during which he formally expressed Afghanistan’s interest in joining the “Belt and Road Initiative.”
Mr. Hanafi underscored the Afghan government’s commitment to exploring various corridors to connect Afghanistan to this transformative initiative. Afghanistan views its involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative as a pivotal step towards fostering economic growth and regional integration.
The Afghan Ministry of Economy echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that Afghanistan’s participation in the Belt and Road Initiative would not only integrate the nation’s economy with regional and global economies but also stimulate trade, economic development, and leverage Afghanistan’s strategic geo-economic transit position.
Abdul Latif Nazari, Deputy Minister of the Economy, stated, “Afghanistan’s joining the Belt and Road Initiative will integrate Afghanistan’s economy into the regional and world economies and will promote trade and economic growth and the development of Afghanistan, as well as promote Afghanistan’s geo-economic transit position.”
BRI to Boost Afghanistan’s Trade with Regional Countries
The Chamber of Commerce and Investment of Afghanistan believes that linking the country to the Silk Road or the Belt and Road Initiative has the potential to significantly boost trade between Afghanistan and regional nations.
Khanjan Alokozai, a member of the Chamber, emphasized the effectiveness of such a connection, stating, “It is very effective. It is known to you that we have trade with China, and not only with China, but with Taiwan, Thailand, Korea, and these countries we do it by sea. And it’s very influential for business growth.”
Economists have pointed out that Afghanistan’s participation in the Belt and Road Initiative could also attract financial support from neighboring countries and international organizations.
Sayed Masoud, an economist, noted, “In order to reach such a line to Afghanistan and for Afghanistan’s participation to actually get a good score, it is clear that the World Bank and the extraordinary financial resources of the northern countries play a role.”
China’s Belt and Road Initiative, also known as the New Silk Road, was introduced by the President of China and entails a massive investment of $1,300 billion to construct extensive networks of roads, railways, waterways, and air routes spanning thousands of kilometers. Afghanistan’s interest in participating in this initiative underscores its commitment to fostering economic growth and regional connectivity in the post-conflict era.
