China ready to invest in Afghanistan’s mining sector

KABUL (Pajhwok): China has voiced its willingness to invest in the mining sector of Afghanistan, promising continued cooperation with the war-torn country.

Chargé d’Affaires Deng Yanan expressed the views at a meeting with Minister of Mines and Petroleum Sheikh Shahabuddin Delawar on Wednesday.

Dilawar underlined the need for further expanding economic cooperation between the two countries, said a statement from the ministry.

“China has had friendly relations with Afghanistan for decades and we want to expand our friendship,” the minister remarked.

Yanan hoped China’s cooperation with Afghanistan’s mining sector would continue, expressing his country’s readiness to invest in it.

Major Chinese firms have already won contracts for the development of Mes Aynak (copper mines).

Under the deal, Afghanistan gets $250-300 million annually in revenue, a 17 percent increase, as well as $800 million in fees.

mud