Astana International Forum: A Platform for Diverse Voices
The forum, which aims to tackle global challenges by amplifying diverse voices, gave a platform to acting Taliban Minister of Trade and Industry of Afghanistan
By Aditi Bhaduri
The Astana International Forum 2025 convened from 29-30 May 2025 was a platform for diverse voices from around the globe. A significant moment, therefore, was a session with Haji NooruddinAzizi, Minister of Trade and Industry of the current Taliban government in Afghanistan.
The Minister pitched for investments and businesses in his war-torn country, underscoring that every facet of Afghan life was a priority and needed urgent global support. The Minister, speaking in Pharsi, outlined how his government and, in particular his ministry, was tackling corruption, a long term malady in Afghanistan. Azizi explained that his ministry was easing norms and rules for faster processing of trade and business like registration of companies, issuance of licenses, etc.
Kazakhstan had been one of the first countries to remove the Taliban from its list of terror and proscribed organizations . Eight months ago, Taliban representatives, or as they term, the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan opened its official representation in the Kazakh capital.
Azizi expressed his gratitude to the Kazakh government for its support. He had also held a meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Russia, Turkiye, China and Kazakhstan were at the forefront of supporting Afghanistan in trade and investments.
Inevitably, the issue of women’s rights and their suppression in Taliban ruled Afghanistan came up. The minister assured that women were an important and big “part of our economic development,”, add8ng that 5000 w9men were registered as entrepreneurs and the government was prioritizing their needs in terms of granting licenses, land allocation, etc.
India has recently established relations with the acting Taliban government of Afghanistan, and has restarted issuing visas to certain categories of Afghans. Given the goodwill that India continues to enjoy in Afghanistan, the government should consider beginning its cooperation in trade and business with the country. Given India’s earlier experience with Tal8ban 1.0, it can partner with countries like Kazakhstan 8n this.
