A three-day national and international trade exhibition opened in Mazar-i-Sharif on Saturday, bringing together Afghan manufacturers, artisans and entrepreneurs seeking to showcase local products, attract investment and expand market access.
Organizers said the third Mawlana Jalaluddin Mohammad Balkhi Exhibition aims to promote domestic production, highlight Afghanistan’s economic potential and encourage investment in local industries.
The exhibition features 170 booths divided into separate sections for men and women.
For many exhibitors, particularly women entrepreneurs, the event offers one of the few opportunities to introduce their products to new customers and increase sales.
“This exhibition is very important for marketing our products and showcasing our work,” said Zarifa, one of the exhibitors. “It allows us to sell our products at fair prices and reach more customers.”
Other participants said similar exhibitions should be held regularly across Afghanistan to help small businesses expand.
“We hope more exhibitions like this will be organized for women, both inside and outside Afghanistan,” said Zakiya, another exhibitor. “That would allow us to sell our products in domestic and international markets.”
Lida, another participant, urged the Taliban authorities to organize more trade fairs for women entrepreneurs and local businesses.
“We ask the Taliban to hold more exhibitions for women, girls and Afghan traders,” she said.
The exhibition comes as many Afghan manufacturers and business owners continue to complain about weak demand, limited market opportunities and a lack of sustained support for domestic industries.
While participants welcomed the event, they said occasional exhibitions alone are not enough to strengthen local production.
They called for long-term investment, improved access to markets and continued support for Afghan businesses to help the country’s manufacturing sector grow.
