Abdul Latif Nazari, Deputy Minister for Technical Affairs at the Ministry of Economy, highlighted the challenges posed by foreign actors. “Certain countries — which I won’t name — tried to isolate Afghanistan and increase our dependency,” he stated. “However, through strategic economic policies and political insight, we have managed to secure our participation in the region’s economic integration.”
Nazari emphasized that Afghanistan is actively engaged in major regional infrastructure and energy projects, including the TAPI gas pipeline, CASA-1000 electricity transmission, and China’s Belt and Road Initiative. These ventures, he argued, are vital to securing Afghanistan’s long-term economic footing in the region.
Development Progress Amid Aid Cuts
Despite a reduction in international aid, Afghanistan has continued development efforts with a focus on self-reliance. The Ministry reported the implementation of 370 development projects and 873 subsidiary projects across the country, all funded through domestic revenues.
According to Abdul Rahman Habib, the ministry’s spokesperson, these projects aimed to improve service delivery, reduce inefficiencies, and ensure timely completion. “We are committed to transparency and quality in all provincial-level development efforts,” Habib stated.
Food Security and Employment: A Government Counter-Narrative
In response to international reports on worsening food insecurity and high unemployment rates, Nazari pushed back, claiming that such portrayals are overstated. “The food situation in Afghanistan has improved compared to previous years, and employment opportunities have also progressed,” he said. He suggested that some international organizations and media outlets have exaggerated the economic challenges facing the country.
Nazari also reaffirmed the government’s goal of eliminating long-term dependency on foreign assistance by building a resilient, locally driven economy.
NGO Collaboration and Returnee Support
The Ministry of Economy licensed 140 NGOs last year — including six foreign organizations — and called on them to prioritize remote and underserved areas. Abdul Salam Ashrafi, Head of Coordination for NGOs, urged: “We request NGOs to utilize this opportunity to serve those in hard-to-reach areas, who have remained neglected for decades.”
Special committees have also been established to support Afghan returnees. Currently, 109 projects totaling 309 million Afghanis are underway, targeting healthcare, education, employment, and housing.
Looking Ahead
Afghanistan’s government appears determined to shift the country’s economic direction toward independence and regional integration, despite diplomatic isolation and a complex international environment. As the Ministry of Economy strengthens its internal project monitoring and external partnerships, Afghan officials remain confident that the country’s new economic approach will pave the way for long-term development and regional cooperation.
For more updates on Afghanistan’s economic transformation, visit www.u.af.
