KABUL, November 2026 : Russia has sent a high-level delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk to Kabul for discussions on expanding trade, investment and economic cooperation with Afghanistan’s Taliban government, Afghan officials said on Thursday.
The delegation, comprising more than 70 business representatives from dozens of Russian companies, is expected to explore opportunities across sectors including mining, infrastructure, agriculture, transportation, logistics and pharmaceuticals.
Overchuk was accorded an honour guard upon arrival in Kabul before holding meetings with Afghan Prime Minister Mohammad Hasan Akhund and Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdul Ghani Baradar.
The visit comes as Afghanistan seeks to attract foreign investment, expand international trade and revive its struggling economy amid continued isolation from much of the international community. Russia formally recognised the Taliban government in July 2025, becoming the only country to do so since the group seized power in August 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led forces.
Afghanistan Invites Russian Investment in Key Sectors
During his meeting with Overchuk, Baradar highlighted Afghanistan’s economic potential, citing its strategic geographical location, natural resources and workforce of approximately 24 million people of working age, according to posts by the Afghan government on its official X account.
He invited Russian companies to explore investment opportunities in mineral extraction, manufacturing, infrastructure development and the establishment of special economic zones.
Baradar also discussed opportunities to increase exports of Afghan agricultural products to Russia and encouraged Russian investment in Afghanistan’s agriculture and livestock sectors.
The proposals reflect Kabul’s efforts to diversify trade partnerships and attract international businesses to sectors considered important for economic development and employment generation.
Russia Eyes Expansion of Trade and Business Ties
Russia’s Interfax news agency quoted Overchuk as saying that Moscow intends to strengthen commercial relations with Afghanistan and create favourable conditions for business cooperation.
He said the delegation included more than 70 business representatives from dozens of Russian companies. While several firms are already operating in Afghanistan, others are interested in entering the market.
According to Overchuk, the delegation represents companies engaged in transportation, logistics, agriculture and pharmaceuticals.
He also said Afghanistan had expressed interest in Russian fertilisers, including the possibility of establishing fertiliser manufacturing plants within the country.
Overchuk said Russia was prepared to support Afghanistan’s economic development by encouraging business partnerships, investment and employment opportunities. He emphasised that stronger economic cooperation should help create jobs, improve incomes and support better living conditions for the Afghan people.
The Kabul visit marks another step in Russia-Afghanistan economic engagement following Moscow’s formal recognition of the Taliban administration. The discussions could open avenues for cooperation in trade, natural resources, agricultural production and infrastructure, although the extent of future investment commitments remains to be seen.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
