Afghanistan Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock Products Honored by the National Union of Workers and Employees of Afghanistan (AMKA)
The leadership of the Afghanistan Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock Products held a meeting with representatives of the National Union of Workers and Employees of Afghanistan (AMKA), attended by Haji Khan Mohammad Forotan, Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors; Haji Akhtar Mohammad Ahmadi, Deputy for Administration and Finance; Dr. Khwaja Abdul Rahim Siddiqi, Deputy for Technical and Professional Affairs; Haji Omid Haidari, Head of International Relations; Haji Tela Mohammad Mohammadi, Member of the Board of Directors; Dr. Wasim Safi, Chief Executive Officer; Zahidull Rahman Salim, Deputy CEO; and Mojtaba Sabbar, Communications and Public Awareness Officer.
The meeting was also attended by Haji Mawlawi Abdul Mateen Molawizada, President of the National Union of Workers and Employees of Afghanistan (AMKA); Haji Mawlawi Abdul Wahid Shabir, Head of the Private Sector Department at the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock; and several members of the union.
The session commenced with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by Dr. Khwaja Abdul Rahim Siddiqi. Welcoming the participants, Haji Khan Mohammad Forotan emphasized the Chamber’s role as a bridge between the government and the private sector, highlighting its contribution to coordination, cohesion, and support for producers across the country. He underscored the importance of close cooperation between public institutions and the private sector for the growth of domestic production, expansion of investment, and economic development in Afghanistan.
Mr. Forotan further stated that Afghanistan’s economy is largely dependent on agriculture and livestock, describing these sectors as key pillars of the country’s economic growth. Referring to the existing capacities in agricultural production and exports, he stressed the need to support domestic products, increase exports, create employment opportunities, enhance capacities, and improve the quality of production.
During the meeting, Haji Mawlawi Abdul Mateen Molawizada expressed his appreciation for the cooperation with the Chamber and provided an overview of the union’s activities, objectives, and plans. He noted that the union had resumed its operations after a seven-year hiatus and currently maintains active offices in 21 provinces across the country. He also emphasized the importance of protecting workers’ rights, enhancing workforce capacity, and addressing challenges facing the labor and production sectors.
Haji Mawlawi Abdul Wahid Shabir, Head of the Private Sector Department at the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, praised the role and contributions of the private sector and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at overcoming challenges, building capacities, and expanding production and export activities.
The Chamber also delivered a comprehensive presentation on employment generation, support for workers, and the role of the agriculture and livestock sectors in creating job opportunities. The presentation highlighted the existing capacities within agriculture, livestock, and agro-processing industries to generate sustainable employment. It further emphasized the importance of supporting the workforce, enhancing technical and vocational skills, expanding investment, strengthening value chains, and increasing the share of domestic products in local and international markets. The role of the private sector in reducing unemployment, improving household livelihoods, and contributing to national economic growth was also highlighted.
In his concluding remarks, Haji Omid Haidari, Head of International Relations of the Chamber, stressed the importance of expanding cooperation among the Chamber, AMKA, and relevant government institutions. He stated that the development of agriculture and livestock sectors, support for domestic production, creation of sustainable employment opportunities, and protection of the workforce remain among the Chamber’s top priorities. He added that enhanced coordination among stakeholders would play a significant role in achieving these objectives.
Mr. Haidari also welcomed the agreement reached between the two sides to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the near future, describing it as an effective step toward strengthening cooperation, supporting workers, expanding productive activities, and promoting the country’s economic growth.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the National Union of Workers and Employees of Afghanistan (AMKA) presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the Afghanistan Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock Production in recognition of its valuable achievements and services in supporting domestic production, developing the agriculture and livestock sectors, creating employment opportunities, and fostering cooperation between public and private institutions.
Mr. Frotan also highlighted that many returnees are already employed within member companies of the Chamber and noted the significant capacity of the private sector to absorb additional returnee workers.
The conference concluded with a strong emphasis on the vital role of the private sector in employment generation, investment promotion, domestic production growth, and the successful reintegration of returnees into Afghan society and the economy.
