(Yicai Global) Aug. 18 -- Yu Minghui, a Chinese businessman who has spent the past 20 years in Afghanistan, spoke to Yicai Global about the situation in Kabul as the Taliban took control of the country’s capital city on Aug. 15.

Yu heard sporadic gunfire at 3 p.m., but the square was still full of cars, he recalled. US military transport planes and helicopters roared overhead throughout the night.

“Everything seems to be settled now,” Yu realized after learning that Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid had declared the end of the war in Afghanistan.

“The sun rises again, shining bright over Kabul,” Yu wrote on his WeChat Moments on Aug. 16, the day after the Taliban seized the Afghan capital. “It is a warm sunny day.”

“The Taliban's vehicles occasionally pass by as my colleague looks outside of the window,” he continued. “The long-distance buses are full again, but this time they are heading out of the city. The breakfast street vendor comes with his little cart touting food to passersby. I believe he is happy after all, as for a while he won’t need to pay bribes to officials for not having a business license.”

“We started making emergency plans 10 days ago,” Yu told Yicai Global, adding that they set up iron fences around Chinatown and dispatched four to five people to the square to prevent rioting. Sentries were on duty all night. He is in a safe residence provided by a friend.

Chinatown is secure for now, Yu said, adding that there are no problems with food or water, but the internet is slow and there are thieves around. “Security guards upstairs and downstairs remain vigilant against thieves as many local friends warned us about looters disguised as Taliban members.”

On Aug. 15, thousands of Afghans and foreigners stormed Kabul International Airport, about five kilometers north of the city, hoping to leave the country. When he was asked why he did not, Yu said “my company has ongoing contracts with locals, so it is more likely I will stay.”

Yu began doing business in Afghanistan in 2001. The projects his company is involved in include solar street lamps, electric lights, kitchen utensils and chemical products, and are mostly based in Chinatown, where there is even an industry park, he said.

His firm cooperates with the local hydropower operator. Once the contract is signed, you have to stay and take care of business, he added. “We need to value our reputation.”

“We are preparing for all possible outcomes,” Yu said, responding to a question about current business risks and future plans. “We will wait and see.” But in 10 days it will be time to harvest grapes in Afghanistan, so by then “we will be selling plastic crates,” he added.

Editors: Zhang Yushuo, Futura Costaglione