Distribution of lands for industrial parks to begin soon

KABUL (Pajhwok): Acting Minister of Commerce and Industry Nooruddin Azizi says the law on industrial parks has been approved by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) and the lands distribution will begin in the near future.

He made the remarks at a meeting of private sector titled “Discussions, Challenges and Opportunities” in Kabul on Monday.

Representatives from the United Nations Development Programme, the European Union and some embassies in Kabul participated in the meeting.

Azizi told the gathering the law on industrial parks had been approved by IEA leadership and the land distribution process would get under way soon.

He said about 600 applicants had sought permission from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) for constructing factories in all zones of the country.

He added nearly 1,000 firms had recently received licences from MoCI. Around 500 products are being produced in Afghanistan, which has attained self-sufficiency in 133 items.

The minister asked the World Bank and other institutions to cooperate with Afghanistan on the execution of projects, which were 80 percent complete.

Azizi urged the United Nations to support Afghanistan’s private sector in all areas.

He also urged the US to unfreeze Afghanistan’s assets, saying the funds belonged to the private sector.

While appreciating global assistance, Azizi said the world body should cooperate with Afghanistan in implementation of infrastructure projects.

He called on the international community to realign Afghanistan’s banking system with the world and restore its membership in global trade bodies.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) deputy head Younis Momand asked the global fraternity to support the country’s private sector.

He urged the European Union to cooperate on issuing visas to Afghan businesspeople.

kk/mud

Views: 49