Meeting of the Chairman of the Afghanistan–United States Joint Chamber of Commerce with the AWCCI, Western Zone (Herat)

Date: June 11, 2026 Location: Herat Office, Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industries – Western Zone.
During the visit of Mr. Jeffrey Grieco, President of the Afghanistan–USA Joint Chamber of Commerce, to Herat Province, his first official meeting with the leadership of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Western Zone, was held at the Herat office of the chamber.
Ms. Behnaz Seljuki presented a report on the activities, achievements, and capacities of women entrepreneurs in the Western Zone, emphasizing their role in economic development and entrepreneurship. She also proposed initiatives including the creation of an online exhibition to showcase women’s products, expanding connections with international markets, and organizing online training programs in trade and women’s empowerment.
Mr. Jeffrey Grieco expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to visit Herat and meet with the chamber’s leadership. He commended the efforts and achievements of Afghan women entrepreneurs and emphasized the importance of supporting women’s economic empowerment, strengthening joint cooperation, and creating more opportunities for their participation in international markets.

Eid Bazar of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Western Zone

The “Eid Bazaar” exhibition for women was held from May 15, 2026 to May 24, 2026 (1405/2/25 – 1405/3/3) for a period of ten days at Setara Asia Hall. The event was organized by the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industries – Western Zone, with the support of the TIKA Office. This Eid Bazaar was launched with the aim of supporting women’s businesses, strengthening the market for domestic products, creating marketing opportunities, and encouraging women entrepreneurs to expand their economic activities. More than 200 women-led companies and businesses from various sectors participated in this program. Participants showcased their products in areas such as handicrafts, clothing, food products, saffron, decorative items, accessories, home-based industries, and other local products. During the ten days, the Eid Bazaar was warmly welcomed by citizens, institutions, and families, providing an excellent platform for sales, brand promotion, networking, and supporting women’s products. Such initiatives play a significant role in the economic growth of women, strengthening self-confidence, developing small businesses, and highlighting the capabilities of women entrepreneurs in the western region of the country. In conclusion, the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industries – Western Zone expresses its appreciation for the support of the TIKA Office, the cooperation of partner organizations, the participants, and all visitors to this exhibition, and emphasizes the continuation of supportive programs for women entrepreneur.

Exhibition of Products and Achievements of Women Entrepreneurs of Laghman Province

An exhibition showcasing the products and achievements of “De Hilo Hindara and Afghan Women’s Tailoring” was held in Sultan Ghazi Baba Township at the De Hilo Hindara Tailoring Center, with the participation of women entrepreneurs, artisans, and guests. Various Afghan clothes, tailoring products, handicrafts, and other achievements of Afghan women were displayed, receiving great attention from participants. Officials from the Laghman Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industries emphasized the importance of expanding women’s economic activities, supporting domestic products, and encouraging female entrepreneurs. They described Afghan women’s efforts toward self-reliance and business development as valuable. The exhibition was organized on the initiative of women themselves, and all activities were managed and coordinated by women.

Opening Ceremony of the Fifth Round of Hari Bazaar in Herat

The opening ceremony of the 5th round of Hari Bazaar was held on Tuesday, 8th of Saur 1405, at 10:00 AM at Bazaar Center Market, located in 64 Meter, Imam Muslim 38, Herat, organized by the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Southwest. This round of Hari Bazaar was conducted with the active participation of around 70 workshops and companies managed by women entrepreneurs from various sectors, reflecting the growth and dynamism of women’s economic activities. Additionally, special collaboration with online shops has been considered in this round to facilitate expanded sales and access to wider markets. It is worth mentioning that this round of Hari Bazaar was held in cooperation with the owner of the market complex, Mr. Bashar, who played a significant role in providing a suitable venue and necessary facilities for this event. The ceremony began with a speech by Ms. Saljughi, who welcomed the participants and guests and emphasized the importance of supporting women-led businesses, market development, and creating new business opportunities. The program continued with an opening prayer and was officially inaugurated. This event will continue for three days and provides a valuable opportunity for women entrepreneurs to showcase their products, increase sales, and expand their business networks.

Exhibition of the Holy Quran and Artistic Works of the Naiko Group in Herat

The opening ceremony of the Holy Quran exhibition and the artworks of Naiko Group (associated with one of the distinguished members of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industries – Western Zone) was held on April 13, 2026, at the Herat Public Library, Allama Salahuddin Seljuqi Hall. The exhibition opening and unveiling of the Holy Quran and the collection of artworks by Naiko Group took place in the presence of the leadership of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industries, artists, and a number of participants. The event was organized with the support of the TIKA Office and the Department of Information and Culture of Herat Province. The ceremony began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by prayers for the success of the program and blessings for women’s cultural and artistic activities. Subsequently, Ms. Somaya Suleimankhil, head of Naiko Group and organizer of the exhibition, provided information about the unveiled Holy Quran. She stated that this Quran was handwritten, calligraphed, and illuminated by 14 female members of the group over four years of continuous artistic work. She also emphasized the importance of preserving Islamic arts, promoting calligraphy, and creating job opportunities for female artists. Afterwards, Ms. Behnaz Seljuqi, head of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industries – Western Zone, highlighted the great spiritual and artistic value of this work, describing it as a symbol of faith, creativity, and the capabilities of women artists in the country. She also stressed the need for continued support for such cultural and artistic initiatives.

Memorandum of Cooperation between the Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Western Zone (Herat Office) and the Sustainable Support Organization (OSAA)

On April 8, 2026, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industries – Western Zone (Herat Office) and the Organization for Sustainable Support in Afghanistan (OSAA). During the meeting, both sides discussed women’s economic empowerment, support for training graduates, facilitation of membership, and provision of services to enhance women’s economic activities. They also discussed organizing introduction events for new members in Herat and Badghis provinces and how to provide services to them. According to this agreement, a total of 144 new members will join the Chamber, including 96 in Herat and 48 in Badghis. The membership fees for Badghis members will be covered in the initial phase, which is considered an important step in strengthening the activities of this office. The aim of this cooperation is to support returnee migrant women, create economic opportunities, strengthen networking, and improve access to Chamber services.