The Afghan Economic Commission, led by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Beradar Akhund, has approved a five-year tax exemption for investors constructing cold storage facilities across the country.

The decision, announced on Monday, aims to bolster the nation’s agricultural infrastructure by encouraging private investment in cold storage and agro-processing units. “Establishing cold storage and processing units is a critical economic necessity for Afghanistan,” Deputy Prime Minister Beradar said in a statement. “Such infrastructure plays a vital role in reducing post-harvest losses, preserving agricultural products, and boosting exports.”

The initiative is part of the Islamic Emirate’s economy-focused governance model, which prioritizes creating a favorable environment for private sector investment, particularly in agriculture and livestock—key pillars of Afghanistan’s rural economy. The five-year tax holiday is designed to incentivize the development of modern cold storage facilities, which will help reduce agricultural waste, stabilize food supply chains, and create economic opportunities in rural communities.

By enabling farmers to store and preserve their produce effectively, the plan is expected to secure better market prices and enhance Afghanistan’s agricultural export potential. The move aligns with the Islamic Emirate’s broader strategy to promote self-sufficiency, strengthen food security, and position Afghanistan as a competitive player in regional agricultural trade.

Officials and analysts view the tax exemption as a critical step toward modernizing Afghanistan’s agricultural infrastructure, reducing dependency on imports, and fostering sustainable economic growth in the war-torn nation. (ILKHA)