Trade Between Russia and Afghanistan Grows 2.6-Fold Over the Year
Trade Between Russia and Afghanistan Grows 2.6-Fold Over the Year
15 May
Russia continues to strengthen its relations with Afghanistan, said Alexey Overchuk, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, at the 17th International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum".
"Our meetings with representatives of Afghanistan at the forum have become traditional. The first one took place here in 2024, when we discussed matters relating to the development of our trade and economic ties. Today, we have established diplomatic relations and maintain regular contacts. Recently, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture came to visit us, and we discussed the supply of Afghan products to our market. Today we also discussed these issues, including the possibility of concluding relevant agreements and matters of customs control," said Overchuk.
The potential for mutual trade is very substantial, but the figures remain fairly modest for the time being, said the Deputy Prime Minister. According to Russian data, it stands at around 326 million USD, whilst according to Afghan sources it amounts to approximately 500 million USD. Statistics for the first two months of the current year show a 2.6-fold increase in mutual trade.
"In the Soviet years, we supplied Afghanistan with Soviet-made cars and lorries, among other things. They remember this and say that it would be good to resume such deliveries. At the forum, we primarily discussed investment cooperation, supplies of Russian agricultural products, and fuel exports. In addition, there is very strong interest in Russian medicine. They asked us to send lecturers for Afghan students. Over these two years, a solid agenda has taken shape," Overchuk reported.
*****
The International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” is being held in Kazan from 12 to 17 May 2026. In accordance with a decree of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, the Forum acquired federal status in 2023, becoming the main platform for interaction between Russia and the Islamic world.
Representatives from 103 countries have registered for KazanForum 2026.
The Forum’s 2026 business programme includes 149 events across 21 tracks. Several international exhibitions will be held as part of the Forum: The International Exhibition of Co-operation between Russia and the Islamic World, the “Innovations. Investment. Infrastructure” Exhibition, the International Real Estate Exhibition and Conference, and the Kazan Halal Market Trade Fair. The agenda also includes: the Forum of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of OIC Countries, the Forum of Young Diplomats, the Forum of Young Entrepreneurs, meetings of intergovernmental commissions and bilateral conferences, festivals, gastronomic and sports projects, including the “Business on Horseback” horse race and the International Jockeys’ Championship.
In 2026, Kazan holds the status of Cultural Capital of the Islamic World. Cultural co‑operation will be one of the key themes of the humanitarian agenda – during the Forum, the Congress of Ministers of Culture of OIC Countries and the 15th Session of the ICESCO General Conference will be held. The programme will conclude with the “Izge Bolgar Zhyeni” gathering in Bolgar, dedicated to the Day of the Official Adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria.
The full programme of the Event is available on the Forum’s official website.
The Roscongress Foundation acts as the Operator for the preparation and holding of the Event, whereas ANO “Directorate for Sports and Social Projects” serves as the Operator’s Executive Directorate.
"Our meetings with representatives of Afghanistan at the forum have become traditional. The first one took place here in 2024, when we discussed matters relating to the development of our trade and economic ties. Today, we have established diplomatic relations and maintain regular contacts. Recently, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture came to visit us, and we discussed the supply of Afghan products to our market. Today we also discussed these issues, including the possibility of concluding relevant agreements and matters of customs control," said Overchuk.
The potential for mutual trade is very substantial, but the figures remain fairly modest for the time being, said the Deputy Prime Minister. According to Russian data, it stands at around 326 million USD, whilst according to Afghan sources it amounts to approximately 500 million USD. Statistics for the first two months of the current year show a 2.6-fold increase in mutual trade.
"In the Soviet years, we supplied Afghanistan with Soviet-made cars and lorries, among other things. They remember this and say that it would be good to resume such deliveries. At the forum, we primarily discussed investment cooperation, supplies of Russian agricultural products, and fuel exports. In addition, there is very strong interest in Russian medicine. They asked us to send lecturers for Afghan students. Over these two years, a solid agenda has taken shape," Overchuk reported.
*****
The International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” is being held in Kazan from 12 to 17 May 2026. In accordance with a decree of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, the Forum acquired federal status in 2023, becoming the main platform for interaction between Russia and the Islamic world.
Representatives from 103 countries have registered for KazanForum 2026.
The Forum’s 2026 business programme includes 149 events across 21 tracks. Several international exhibitions will be held as part of the Forum: The International Exhibition of Co-operation between Russia and the Islamic World, the “Innovations. Investment. Infrastructure” Exhibition, the International Real Estate Exhibition and Conference, and the Kazan Halal Market Trade Fair. The agenda also includes: the Forum of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of OIC Countries, the Forum of Young Diplomats, the Forum of Young Entrepreneurs, meetings of intergovernmental commissions and bilateral conferences, festivals, gastronomic and sports projects, including the “Business on Horseback” horse race and the International Jockeys’ Championship.
In 2026, Kazan holds the status of Cultural Capital of the Islamic World. Cultural co‑operation will be one of the key themes of the humanitarian agenda – during the Forum, the Congress of Ministers of Culture of OIC Countries and the 15th Session of the ICESCO General Conference will be held. The programme will conclude with the “Izge Bolgar Zhyeni” gathering in Bolgar, dedicated to the Day of the Official Adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria.
The full programme of the Event is available on the Forum’s official website.
The Roscongress Foundation acts as the Operator for the preparation and holding of the Event, whereas ANO “Directorate for Sports and Social Projects” serves as the Operator’s Executive Directorate.
