KABUL (Pajhwok): Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar has underscored the importance of advancing technology and creating conditions that would enable Afghanistan to compete with countries in the region and beyond.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the First Communications and Technology Exhibition, Baradar expressed condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones in the recent floods across the country and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
He said technological and communications development had become a key priority for countries in the modern era, adding that global competitiveness largely depended on progress in these sectors.
The deputy prime minister said expanding the communications and technology sector was an important responsibility in line with current needs, adding that Afghanistan was gradually integrating with the region and the wider world by making effective use of its available resources.
Highlighting Afghanistan’s strategic geographical location, he said the country had the potential to serve as a data transit corridor linking South Asia and Central Asia.
Baradar said the communications and technology sector had made notable progress in recent years, with telecommunications services expanded to a number of previously underserved areas.
He cited the implementation of a digital document management system across government institutions as an example of the country’s progress towards digital governance.
He said the communications and technology exhibition would help promote the use of technology, nurture young talent and encourage innovation. Expanding the use of technology, he added, could enhance transparency, improve governance, save time and streamline administrative procedures.
The deputy prime minister expressed hope that such exhibitions would strengthen cooperation among the government, the private sector, academic institutions and young innovators, paving the way for further progress in technology and digitalisation across Afghanistan.
kk/sa
