KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghan and Russian officials have discussed establishing a special economic zone at Hairatan Port in northern Balkh province and explored ways to expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
Mawlawi Mohammad Nabi Bahar, spokesman for the General Directorate of State-Owned Companies, told Pajhwok Afghan News that Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov proposed establishing the zone during a meeting with the directorate’s head, Mawlawi Ahmad Jan Bilal.
Zhirnov said the proposed zone would provide facilities for storing and processing agricultural products, packaging and other economic activities.
The Russian ambassador also presented a proposal concerning joint-stock companies linked to the “Stras” and “Afsotar” companies.
Bahar said Bilal welcomed the proposal and stressed the importance of establishing an economic zone at Hairatan Port.
Bilal said the directorate was working to strengthen and expand the activities of Stras and Afsotar to facilitate the export of Afghanistan’s fresh and dried fruits to international markets.
He said Afghanistan welcomed Russian cooperation in various economic sectors and was ready to further expand bilateral trade and economic ties.
Bilal also called for Russian cooperation and agreements on establishing a workshop in Afghanistan to repair Kamaz vehicles and importing petroleum products from Russia.
The source said Zhirnov assured the Afghan side of Russia’s full cooperation on the issues discussed.
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