The Taliban administration has expressed its desire to formally participate in Chinese President Xi Jinping's extensive 'Belt and Road' infrastructure project, and they plan to send a technical delegation to China for discussions, as per Afghanistan's acting commerce minister.
Despite lacking recognition from any other foreign government, Beijing has been actively engaging with the Taliban-led government since its assumption of power in 2021. Last month, China made history by appointing an ambassador to Kabul, while other countries have maintained their previous ambassadors or assigned heads of missions in a charge d'affaires capacity, which does not involve the formal presentation of credentials to the government.
Acting Commerce Minister Haji Nooruddin Azizi told Reuters in an interview that Afghanistan had requested China's permission to become part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the Belt and Road Initiative. He also mentioned that technical discussions were underway. The Pakistan "economic corridor" pertains to a significant segment of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Afghanistan's neighboring country.
Azizi further revealed that the Afghan administration would dispatch a technical team to China, aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges hindering their participation in the initiative. However, he did not provide specific details regarding these impediments.
Afghanistan holds the potential to provide China with a wealth of valuable mineral resources. Several Chinese companies already operate in the country, including the Metallurgical Corp. of China Ltd (MCC), which has engaged in discussions with both the Taliban administration and the previous Western-backed government regarding the development of a potentially vast copper mine. Azizi emphasized that Afghanistan, more than ever, is prepared for investment and can meet China's requirements, including resources like lithium, copper, and iron.
Regarding the MCC negotiations, Azizi noted that progress had been delayed due to the proximity of the mine to a historical site but stressed that the talks were ongoing. He expressed support for the substantial investment made by the Chinese company.
Security concerns have been raised by investors, as the Islamic State militant group has targeted foreign embassies and a hotel frequented by Chinese investors in Kabul. In response, Azizi underscored that security is a top priority for the Taliban-led government and pointed out that, after two decades of conflict that ended with the withdrawal of foreign forces and the Taliban's takeover, more areas of the country are now safe.
"It is now possible to travel to provinces where there is industry, agriculture and mines that one previously could not visit... security can be guaranteed," Azizi added.
During the Belt and Road Forum, Afghanistan, along with 34 other countries, reached agreements to collaborate on the digital economy and green development.
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