Industry & Mining: Afghanistan’s fifth National and International Industry and Mines Week Exhibition opened in Kabul, with Taliban officials saying it brings “hundreds” of manufacturers and mining firms and urging investors to move beyond raw-material supply into mineral processing. Energy & Transport: Chinese workers resumed work on the Dushanbe–Kulma highway in Tajikistan near the Afghan border after a security pause, with Tajik forces protecting crews and joint drills expected. Agriculture & Land: Afghanistan’s Ministry of Justice says a land-grabbing commission has identified and registered 3.94 million jeribs of pastureland in Sar-i-Pul, with most still used for grazing and a smaller share converted or encroached. Opium & Markets: UNODC reports Afghanistan’s opium production fell 95% since 2023, reshaping global heroin supply and pushing traffickers toward synthetic opioids. Regional Trade & Logistics: Uzbekistan’s trade turnover rose to $32.8bn in Jan–May 2026, but exports fell sharply while imports surged; Afghanistan appears as a key export destination for Uzbekistan. Cross-border Security: Pakistan and Afghanistan tensions escalated after Pakistan-linked strikes and Afghan counter-operations, raising risks for regional stability and trade routes. Retail & Consumer Demand: Bangladesh announced Dhaka Discount Fest 2026 (Dec 10–12) with up to 75% discounts and participation including Afghanistan, signaling wider South Asian retail competition.