Mining sector development talks held in Berlin

KABUL): Minister of Finance Omar Zakhilwal and Minister of Mines Wahidullah Shahrani attended the first Afghan-German Mineral Resource Dialogue in Berlin last week.

The move supports the development of a stable and strong private sector in Afghanistan to reach economic growth and ensure welfare of the country, the Ministry of Finance said on Tuesday.

A statement from the ministry said the ministers discussed investment and cooperation opportunities in the Afghan mining sector with the German industry, political officials and scientists.

Some potential investors, who met Zakhilwal, plan a visit to Kabul after Ramadan to discuss and assess a larger investment with an impressive number of new jobs — a goal that could be realised by a joint venture.

At talks in Berlin, Zakhilwal said: “The development of the private sector in Afghanistan is the key to reach a self-sustaining economy in the future. The mineral sector is the most important industrial sector in Afghanistan which is able to create income for the people and government.”

The minister had a fruitful meeting with German Printing House (a state-owned company) officials in Berlin. He visited the production line for high-security documents (Passports and ID Cards), which his ministry will establish together with the German Foreign Office in Kabul.

“This investment in Kabul will be supported by the German government and realised by the experienced Printing House after Ramadan,” the statement concluded.

pr/mud

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