Afghanistan and Indonesia have agreed to deepen economic and trade cooperation, with Jakarta announcing plans to establish a new Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Kabul.

The development came during a meeting between Qari Din Mohammad Hanif, Minister of Economy of Afghanistan, and Dr Nanda Awalis, the Chargé d’affaires of the Indonesian Embassy in Kabul, held on Sunday.

According to the Afghan Ministry of Economy, Dr Awalis outlined Indonesia’s interest in expanding its investment footprint in Afghanistan. He highlighted the willingness of Indonesian companies to explore business opportunities across multiple sectors.

The proposed Chamber of Commerce and Industry aims to facilitate closer coordination between traders and private businesses in both countries, and to help streamline future investment initiatives.

While no financial figures or sectors were publicly confirmed, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Economy stated that the country remains open to investment partnerships that contribute to economic recovery.

Afghanistan continues to face severe economic hardship. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), more than 23 million people, more than half of Afghanistan’s population, are experiencing acute food insecurity. The World Bank previously reported that Afghanistan’s GDP contracted by more than 20% in 2021, following the political transition in August that year.

The Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Investment has repeatedly called for renewed international trade engagement to revitalise domestic markets.

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