Editing Economy of Afghanistan (section)

==Trade and industry==
{{Further|Transport in Afghanistan|Mining in Afghanistan}}
Afghanistan's geographical location makes it economically secured.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ariananews.af/iea-hoping-to-top-10-billion-in-trade-volume-with-iran-over-next-few-years/ |title=IEA hoping to top $10 billion in trade volume with Iran over next few years |work=Arian News |date=November 8, 2023 |access-date=2023-11-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ariananews.af/russian-pm-says-moscow-ready-to-expand-transport-routes-to-afghanistan-south-asia/ |title=Russian PM says Moscow ready to expand transport routes to Afghanistan, South Asia |work=Arian News |date=September 19, 2023 |access-date=2023-11-13}}</ref><ref name="Kazakhstan’s deputy PM visits Kabul, calls for expansion of trade ties">{{cite news |url=https://www.ariananews.af/kazakhstans-deputy-pm-visits-kabul-calls-for-expansion-of-trade-ties/ |title=Kazakhstan's deputy PM visits Kabul, calls for expansion of trade ties |work=Arian News |date=April 15, 2023 |access-date=2023-05-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.khaama.com/turkmenistan-afghanistan-discuss-development-of-co-op-in-transit-cargo-transportation/ |title=Turkmenistan, Afghanistan Discuss Development of Co-op in Transit Cargo Transportation |work=Khaama Press |date=May 30, 2023 |access-date=2023-05-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://tolonews.com/business-180949 |title=Islamic Emirate Seeks China's Cooperation for Wakhan Trade Route |work=TOLOnews |date=28 November 2022 |access-date=2022-12-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-180835 |title=Afghanistan Ready to Facilitate Transit of Regional Goods: Baradar |work=TOLOnews |date=20 November 2022 |access-date=2022-12-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.silkroadbriefing.com/news/2021/08/17/the-afghanistan-china-belt-road-initiative/ |title=The Afghanistan-China Belt & Road Initiative |publisher=Silk Road Briefing |date=September 16, 2021 |access-date=2022-08-30 |archive-date=2023-05-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517043040/https://www.silkroadbriefing.com/news/2021/08/17/the-afghanistan-china-belt-road-initiative/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1863386/world |title=Set in concrete: In a first, Kabul builds $5m road via tough terrain to access China |publisher=Arab News |date=May 23, 2021 |access-date=2022-08-30}}</ref> The [[Lapis Lazuli corridor]] connects Afghanistan with [[Turkmenistan]] and ultimately ends somewhere in Europe.<ref name="Afghanistan's commercial goods arrived in Turkey through Lapis Lazuli route">{{cite news |title=Afghanistan's commercial goods arrived in Turkey through Lapis Lazuli route |url=https://pajhwok.com/2018/12/29/afghanistans-commercial-goods-arrived-turkey-through-lapis-lazuli-route/ |work=Pajhwok Afghan News |date=December 29, 2018 |access-date=2020-10-09}}</ref> Other such trade routes connect Afghanistan with neighboring [[Iran]], [[Pakistan]], [[Tajikistan]] and [[Uzbekistan]].<ref>{{cite video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKHvGZlGfI0 |title=Common market to be established between Afghan-Uzbek |work=Ariana Television Network |date=August 25, 2023 |access-date=2022-08-30}}</ref> The country also has direct trade with [[China]] and [[India]] via [[air corridor]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://tolonews.com/index.php/business-181187 |title=Afghan Trade Via Air Corridor Has Increased: MoF |work=TOLOnews |date=14 December 2022 |access-date=2022-12-15}}</ref> It has four international airports, which include: [[Kabul International Airport]] in the capital city; [[Mazar-e Sharif International Airport]] in the north of the country; [[Herat International Airport]] in the west; and the [[Ahmad Shah Baba International Airport]] in [[Kandahar]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.khaama.com/gaac-to-uplift-afghanistans-airports-to-the-modern-era/ |title=GAAC to Uplift Afghanistan's Airports to the Modern Era |work=Khaama Press |date=May 10, 2023 |access-date=2023-05-14}}</ref> It also has about 24 [[domestic airport|domestic]] [[list of airports in Afghanistan|airports]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ariananews.af/over-25000-flights-recorded-across-afghanistan-in-past-year/ |title=Over 25,000 flights recorded across Afghanistan in past year |work=Arian News |date=August 18, 2023 |access-date=2023-08-27}}</ref> The major [[List of airlines of Afghanistan|airlines]] of the country include [[Ariana Afghan Airlines]] and [[Kam Air]]. Its national [[rail transport in Afghanistan|rail network]] is slowly expanding to connect Central Asia with Pakistan and Iran.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://tolonews.com/business-184270 |title=Uzbekistan, Pakistan Agree to Balkh-Paktia Route for Railway: ARA |work=TOLOnews |date=19 July 2023 |access-date=2023-07-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ariananews.af/mazar-herat-kandahar-railway-project-to-begin-this-year/ |title=Mazar-Herat-Kandahar railway project to begin this year |work=Ariana News |date=May 2, 2023 |access-date=2023-05-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/afghanistan-seeks-regional-connectivity-with-home-built-rail-project/2886190 |title=Afghanistan seeks regional connectivity with home-built rail project |first=Aamir |last=Latif |publisher=Anadolu Agency |date=May 1, 2023 |access-date=2023-05-14}}</ref> In addition to Central Asia, imported goods also enter by rail from neighboring Iran and China.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ariananews.af/first-shipment-from-iran-arrives-in-herat-by-rail/ |title=First freight from Iran arrives in Herat by rail |work=Ariana News |date=May 9, 2023 |access-date=2023-05-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ariananews.af/freight-train-from-china-arrives-in-afghanistan/ |title=Freight train from China arrives in Afghanistan |work=Ariana News |date=October 10, 2023 |access-date=2023-11-13}}</ref>

[[File:Afghan border crossing at Sher Khan in Kunduz Province-4-cropped.jpg|left|thumb|The [[Port of entry]] at [[Sher Khan Bandar]] in [[Kunduz Province]], near the border with [[Tajikistan]] (2011)]]

The [[Afghanistan–Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement]] (APTTA) allows Afghan and Pakistani cargo [[truck]]s to transit goods within both nations. This revised US-sponsored APTTA agreement also allows Afghan trucks to transport exports to India via Pakistan up to the [[Wagah]] crossing point. There are over a dozen official [[Land border crossings of Afghanistan|border crossing points]] all around Afghanistan. They include [[Abu Nasir Port]] in [[Farah Province]], [[Ai-Khanoum]] in [[Takhar Province]], [[Angur Ada]] in [[Paktika Province]], [[Aqina]] in [[Faryab Province]], [[Dand Aw Patan District|Dand-aw-Patan]] in [[Paktia Province]], [[Ghulam Khan]] in [[Khost Province]], [[Hairatan]] in [[Balkh Province]], [[Ishkashim, Afghanistan|Ishkashim]] in [[Badakhshan Province]], [[Islam Qala]] in [[Herat Province]], [[Sher Khan Bandar]] in [[Kunduz Province]], [[Torghundi]] in Herat Province, [[Torkham border crossing|Torkham]] in [[Nangarhar Province]], [[Wesh–Chaman border crossing|Spin Boldak]] in [[Kandahar Province]], and [[Zaranj]] in [[Nimruz Province]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/info/infographic/24092 |title=Afghan border crossings gain more importance amid Taliban's advance |publisher=Anadolu Agency |date=July 13, 2021 |access-date=2021-09-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58283177 |title=Afghanistan: How many refugees are there and where will they go? |publisher=BBC News |date=August 31, 2021 |access-date=2021-09-11}}</ref> The country also has legal access to two major seaports in Pakistan, the [[Gwadar Port]] in Balochistan and the [[Port Qasim]] in Sindh.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/gwadar-port-offers-new-opportunity-for-afghan-economy/|title=Gwadar port offers new opportunity for Afghan economy|date=January 28, 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202165444/https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/gwadar-port-offers-new-opportunity-for-afghan-economy/|archive-date=February 2, 2020|access-date=February 2, 2020}}</ref> Afghanistan also has legal access to major seaports in Iran, which include the one in [[Bandar Abbas]] in the [[Persian Gulf]] and the [[Chabahar Port]] in the [[Gulf of Oman]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ariananews.af/ieas-deputy-prime-minister-visits-chabahar-port-in-iran/ |title=IEA's deputy prime minister visits Chabahar Port in Iran |work=Ariana News |date=November 9, 2023 |access-date=2023-11-13}}</ref>
[[File:Trucks on the road in northern Afghanistan-2012.jpg|thumb|Due to lack of major [[rail transport in Afghanistan|rail]] service, [[transport in Afghanistan]] is mostly done by road and air.]]

{{anchor|Natural resources}}Afghanistan is endowed with a wealth of natural resources, which include extensive deposits of [[barites]], [[chromite]], [[coal]], [[copper]], [[gold]], [[gemstone]], [[iron ore]], [[lead]], [[lithium]], [[marble]], [[natural gas]], [[petroleum]], [[salt]], [[sulfur]], [[talc]], [[uranium]], and [[zinc]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ariananews.af/five-companies-win-bids-for-herat-and-ghor-mines/ |title=Five companies win bids for Herat and Ghor mines |work=Ariana News |date=August 7, 2023 |access-date=2023-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://tolonews.com/afghanistan/provincial-182786 |title=Contract for Lead Mining Project in Kandahar Awarded to Private Firm |work=TOLOnews |date=2 April 2023 |access-date=2023-05-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://tolonews.com/business-183465 |title=China And Qatar Seek to Invest in Gas, Oil Sectors: MoMP |work=TOLOnews |date=22 May 2023 |access-date=2023-05-30}}</ref><ref name="Chinese firm offers IEA $10 billion investment in lithium reserves">{{cite news |url=https://www.ariananews.af/chinese-firm-offers-iea-10-billion-investment-in-lithium-reserves/ |title=Chinese firm offers IEA $10 billion investment in lithium reserves |work=Ariana News |date=April 14, 2023 |access-date=2023-05-14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2022/08/03/chinese-investment-in-afghanistans-lithium-sector-a-long-shot-in-the-short-term/ |title=Chinese investment in Afghanistan's lithium sector: A long shot in the short term |publisher=Brookings Institution |date=August 3, 2022 |access-date=2022-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/rare-earth-afghanistan-sits-1-trillion-minerals-n196861 |title=Rare Earth: Afghanistan Sits on $1 Trillion in Minerals |publisher=NBC |date=September 5, 2014 |access-date=2021-03-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://tolonews.com/business-170454 |title=Govt's Agreement with Australian Company Sparks Controversy |work=TOLOnews |date=March 4, 2021 |access-date=2021-03-19}}</ref> [[Rare-earth element]]s can be found all over the country.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/9/24/mapping-afghanistans-untapped-natural-resources-interactive |title=Mapping Afghanistan's untapped natural resources |work=Al Jazeera English |date=24 September 2021 |access-date=2023-11-25}}</ref> In 2006, a U.S. Geological Survey estimated that Afghanistan has as much as {{cvt|36|e9cuft|e6m3|order=flip|abbr=off}} of natural gas, {{cvt|3.6|Goilbbl|e6m3|abbr=off|order=flip}} of oil and condensate reserves.<ref name=Eurasianet>Eurasianet.org - Eurasia Insight, [http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav090306.shtml ''Afghanistan's Energy Future and its Potential Implications'']</ref> According to a 2007 assessment, Afghanistan has significant amounts of undiscovered non-fuel mineral resources. Geologists also found indications of abundant deposits of colored stones and gemstones, including [[emerald]], [[garnet]], [[kunzite]], [[lapis lazuli]], [[peridot]], [[ruby]], [[sapphire]], [[spinel]], and [[tourmaline]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://tolonews.com/business-184552 |title=200 Licenses Awarded to Mine Emeralds in Panjshir: Officials |work=TOLOnews |date=8 August 2023 |access-date=2023-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ariananews.af/delawar-90-of-panjshir-mining-revenues-to-be-used-in-reconstruction-of-the-province/ |title=Delawar: 90% of Panjshir mining revenues to be used in reconstruction of the province |work=Ariana News |date=August 18, 2023 |access-date=2023-08-27}}</ref>

It is claimed that Afghanistan has at least $1 trillion in untapped mineral deposits.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/14/world/asia/14minerals.html? |title=U.S. Identifies Vast Riches of Minerals in Afghanistan |work=The New York Times |editor=James Risen |date=June 13, 2010 |access-date=2022-12-04}}</ref> A memo from the Pentagon stated that Afghanistan could become the "Saudi Arabia of [[lithium]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.discovery.com/earth/afghanistan-minerals-lithium.html |title=Afghanistan: The Saudi Arabia of Lithium? |publisher=News.discovery.com |date=2010-06-14 |access-date=2012-05-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507005948/http://news.discovery.com/earth/afghanistan-minerals-lithium.html |archive-date=2012-05-07 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Some believe that the untapped minerals are worth up to $3 trillion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-ap-as-afghanistan-mineral-treasures,0,4231660.story |title=Afghanistan says its untapped mineral wealth is at least $3 trillion _ triple US estimate |publisher=Chicagotribune.com |access-date=2012-05-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100621015452/http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-ap-as-afghanistan-mineral-treasures,0,4231660.story |archive-date=2010-06-21 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=204154 |title=Afghanistan is suddenly wealthy: US finds $1 trillion in mineral deposits |publisher=Ksdk.com |date=2010-06-14 |access-date=2012-05-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Sengupta |first=Kim |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/afghanistans-resources-could-make-it-the-richest-mining-region-on-earth-2000507.html |title=Afghanistan's resources could make it the richest mining region on earth |publisher=Independent.co.uk |date=2010-06-15 |access-date=2012-05-15}}</ref> The [[Khanashin]] [[carbonatite]]s in the [[Helmand Province]] of the country have an estimated 1 million metric tonnes of [[rare earth element]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2011/1244/pdf/ofr2011-1244.pdf |title=Geologic Map of the Khanneshin Carbonatite Complex, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Modified From the 1976 Original Map Compilation of V.G. Cheremytsin |publisher=United States Geological Survey |access-date=2021-03-19 |archive-date=2017-08-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815035245/https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2011/1244/pdf/ofr2011-1244.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Afghanistan currently has a copper mining deal with [[China Metallurgical Group Corporation]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://tolonews.com/business-177411 |title=Mining at Mes Aynak Ready to Resume: Ministry |work=TOLOnews |date=April 3, 2022 |access-date=2022-08-30}}</ref> which involves the investment of $2.8 billion by China and an annual income of about $400 million to the Afghan government. The country's Ainak copper mine, located in [[Logar Province]], is one of the biggest in the world. It is estimated to hold at least 11 million tonnes or US$33 billion worth of copper.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-26/china-s-failure-to-invest-in-afghanistan-is-frustrating-the-taliban |title=China Wooed Taliban With Investment Promises That Haven't Panned Out |publisher=Bloomberg News |date=September 26, 2022 |access-date=2022-12-04}}</ref>

The previous government has signed a 30-year contract with investment group Centar and its operating company, Afghan Gold and Minerals Co., to explore and develop a copper mining operation in [[Balkhab District]] in [[Sar-e Pol Province]], including a gold mining operation in [[Badakhshan Province]]. The copper contract involved a $56 million investment and the gold contract a $22 million investment.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-mining/afghanistan-signs-major-mining-deals-in-development-push-idUSKCN1MH0FM |title=Afghanistan signs major mining deals in development push |work=Reuters |date=October 7, 2018 |access-date=2020-06-30}}</ref>

The country's other recently announced treasure is the Hajigak iron mine, located {{cvt|130|mi|km|order=flip|sigfig=2}} west of Kabul and is believed to hold an estimated 1.8 billion to 2 billion metric tons of the mineral used to make steel.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://pajhwok.com/2012/03/31/indian-canadian-firms-invest-146b-hajigak-iron-mine/ |title=Indian, Canadian firms to invest $ 14.6b in Hajigak iron mine |work=Pajhwok Afghan News |date=March 31, 2012 |access-date=2012-03-31}}</ref> The country also has a number of [[coal]] mines.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://gandhara.rferl.org/a/cash-trapped-taliban-exploiting-afghanistans-natural-resources/31945420.html |title=Cash-Strapped Taliban 'Exploiting' Afghanistan's Natural Resources To Boost Revenue |publisher=RFE/RL |date=July 15, 2022 |access-date=2022-08-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/07/05/taliban-afghanistan-coal-mining-resources-economy/ |title=Taliban Wage War Over Coal in Northern Afghanistan |publisher=Foreign Policy |date=July 5, 2022 |access-date=2022-08-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/29/world/asia/afghanistan-mining-safety.html |title=Desperate for Cash, Afghans Toil in Mines That Are Deadlier Than Ever |work=The New York Times |date=March 29, 2022 |access-date=2022-08-30}}</ref>

Afghanistan's important resource in the past has been natural gas, which was first tapped in 1967. During the 1980s, gas sales accounted for $300 million a year in export revenues (56% of the total). About 90% of these exports went to the [[Soviet Union]] to pay for imports and debts. However, during the withdrawal of Soviet troops in 1989, the natural gas fields were capped to prevent sabotage by criminals. Gas production has dropped from a high of {{cvt|8.2|e6m3|e6cuft|abbr=off}} per day in the 1980s to a low of about {{cvt|600000|m3|e6cuft|abbr=off}} in 2001. Production of natural gas was restored during the [[Karzai administration]] in 2010.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://pajhwok.com/2012/01/15/gas-well-inaugurated-shiberghan/ |title=Gas well inaugurated in Shiberghan |work=Pajhwok Afghan News |date=15 January 2012 |access-date=2012-01-12}}</ref>

It is predicted that by pumping-out its own oil reserves,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://tolonews.com/business-184105 |title=Ministry: Extraction Ongoing in Qashqari Oil Fields |work=TOLOnews |date=8 July 2023 |access-date=2023-07-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/taliban-led-afghanistan-begins-extracting-oil/2940510 |title=Taliban-led Afghanistan begins extracting oil |work=Anadolu Agency |date=July 9, 2023 |access-date=2023-07-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://thekabultimes.com/start-of-raw-oil-extraction-to-boost-economic-development/ |title=Start of raw oil extraction to boost economic development |work=Kabul Times |date=July 10, 2023 |access-date=2023-07-20}}</ref> Afghanistan will no longer be importing oil products after 2026.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://pajhwok.com/2023/07/18/afghanistan-to-reach-oil-self-sufficiency-in-3-years-official/ |title=Afghanistan to reach oil self-sufficiency in 3 years: Official |work=Pajhwok Afghan News |date=18 July 2023 |access-date=2023-07-20}}</ref> Originally, the Karzai administration and [[China National Petroleum Corporation]] (CNPC) signed a contract for the development of three oil fields in the northern provinces of [[Sar-e Pol Province|Sar-e Pol]], [[Jowzjan]] and [[Faryab]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-South-Central/2011/1228/China-wins-700-million-Afghan-oil-and-gas-deal.-Why-didn-t-the-US-bid |title=China wins $700 million Afghan oil and gas deal. Why didn't the US bid? |publisher=The Christian Science Monitor |date=December 28, 2011 |access-date=2012-05-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/afghanistan-cnpc-idUSL3E7NS40J20111228 |title=UPDATE 1-Afghanistan signs major oil deal with China's CNPC |publisher=Associated Press |date=December 28, 2011 |access-date=2012-05-15}}</ref> It was later reported that CNPC began extracting {{cvt|1.5|e6oilbbl|m3|abbr=off|order=flip}} of oil annually.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-oil-idUSBRE89K08G20121021 |title=China's CNPC begins oil production in Afghanistan |publisher=Reuters |date=October 21, 2012 |access-date=2013-01-05}}</ref> In early 2023, the [[Xinjiang Central Asia Petroleum and Gas Company]] signed a similar contract with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ariananews.af/iea-signs-amu-river-basin-oil-extraction-contract-with-chinese-company/ |title=IEA signs Amu River basin oil extraction contract with Chinese company |publisher=Ariana News |date=January 5, 2023 |access-date=2023-01-16}}</ref> Russia had also found interest in oil and gas supply to Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ariananews.af/iea-sign-deal-for-russian-oil-products-gas-and-wheat/ |title=IEA sign deal for Russian oil products, gas and wheat |work=Ariana News |date=September 28, 2022 |access-date=2023-01-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://tolonews.com/business-179571 |title=Russia Ready to Sign Agreement on Oil, Gas: Ministry |work=TOLOnews |date=August 27, 2022 |access-date=2022-08-30}}</ref>