Textiles & Jobs: An Afghan investor says a $80m textile factory in Kabul is 90% complete and could start fabric production within two months, aiming for 12,000 direct jobs and 50,000 sq meters of fabric per hour. Trade Facilitation: The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment met India’s ambassador to push export growth, better logistics, fewer trade barriers, and easier business visas, with plans for joint exhibitions and delegations. Carpet Exports & Employment: Afghanistan’s carpet sector employs nearly one million people and has exported over 760,000 sq meters this year, with most output shipped abroad and more sales under Afghan branding. Animal Products Exports: Afghanistan exported 1,280+ tonnes of animal products in Q1, nearly sevenfold year-on-year, but exporters still call for more leather-processing capacity to add value. Energy Costs: Fuel prices in Kabul, Kandahar, Herat and Badghis reportedly rose up to 25% in days, squeezing transport and household costs. Water Stress in Herat: Herat residents report groundwater levels have dropped sharply, forcing deeper well drilling and worsening drinking-water shortages. Healthcare Investment: A 10-bed ICU opened in Khost Provincial Hospital with modern equipment, aiming to reduce the need for patients to travel to Kabul. Regional Shipping Pressure: US-Iran strikes continue to target ports and infrastructure around the Strait of Hormuz, raising risks for regional logistics routes tied to Chabahar.