A high-level delegation from the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), led by Sayed Karim Hashemi, held talks with officials from the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) as part of efforts to strengthen economic and commercial relations between Afghanistan and Türkiye.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to expand direct trade between Afghan and Turkish businesses and create greater opportunities for private-sector cooperation.

The participants emphasized the importance of facilitating reciprocal business delegations, enabling companies from both countries to establish direct contacts and explore potential partnerships. They also highlighted the need to increase participation in trade fairs and exhibitions as a means of promoting products, services and investment opportunities in both markets.

Investment cooperation was another key issue discussed during the talks. The sides explored ways to identify and unlock new investment opportunities, with particular emphasis on strengthening private-sector engagement and encouraging businesses to pursue mutually beneficial projects.

The Afghan delegation also extended an official invitation to Turkish business representatives to attend the Imam Abu Hanifa International Exhibition in Kabul. The invitation is expected to provide Turkish companies with an opportunity to explore the Afghan market, establish business contacts and assess potential commercial and investment opportunities.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two chambers agreed to work toward drafting a formal cooperation agreement aimed at institutionalizing their commitments and providing a framework for continued collaboration.

The planned agreement is expected to support closer business-to-business ties, facilitate commercial exchanges and encourage greater interaction between the private sectors of Afghanistan and Türkiye.

The talks come as both sides seek to expand economic engagement and identify new avenues for trade and investment cooperation. Strengthening institutional links between the two chambers could also help businesses navigate market opportunities and build longer-term commercial partnerships.

The meeting underscored the shared interest of Afghan and Turkish business communities in developing direct commercial relations and creating new opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment and exhibitions. (ILKHA)