China to build cold storage facilities in Kabul, Balkh

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan has reached an agreement with China to construct three cold storages in capital Kabul and northern Balkh provinces, the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MoAIL) announced on Thursday.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Maulvi Sadr Azam Usmani met with Ma Chang Wang, Economic and Trade Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Kabul and Shu Changzhi, the Embassy’s Economic Secretary, MoAIL said.

A statement from the ministry said both sides agreed to build three cold storage units in Kabul and Balkh to support fruit preservation.

Usmani emphasised the urgent need to expand cold storage infrastructure nationwide and called for increased cooperation from China in the agriculture and livestock sectors.

The Chinese delegation reaffirmed their country’s commitment to supporting the development of Afghanistan’s agricultural sector.

They expressed readiness to build standard cold storage facilities aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing the export process.

According to the ministry, the projects will be implemented in coordination with China, with the goal of improving farmers’ economic conditions, safeguarding agricultural products and boosting Afghanistan’s export markets.

kk/ma