Officials from Afghanistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) held a meeting with the World Bank country director for Afghanistan to establish banking facilities and accelerate trade between Afghanistan and countries in the region and the world.
The meeting focused on resuming incomplete World Bank projects, mechanizing agriculture, especially constructing cold storage facilities for farmers powered by solar energy, the allocation of water from the Qosh Tepa Canal, and other major national projects.
Discussions also addressed resolving banking issues and supporting the private sector.
“Talks were held regarding the challenges currently faced in transferring money globally through the TT system with the World Bank and banks,” said Khan Jan Alokozay, a member of the ACCI’s board of directors.
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Industries and Mines stressed that it is essential for global institutions, particularly the World Bank, to resume their activities in Afghanistan to foster economic growth and development.
“We hope the World Bank will remove restrictions imposed on foreign currency exchanges between countries. This action could support the people of Afghanistan and the private sector. Lifting banking restrictions will undoubtedly lead to economic stability, sustainable employment, and poverty reduction, which is also the international community’s goal,” said Sakhi Ahmad Paiman, First Deputy of the Afghanistan Chamber of Industries and Mines.
“If the World Bank returns to Afghanistan and funds the 7,500 projects it pledged in 2021 with five billion dollars, it could increase employment, consumption, and demand within the country,” said Sayed Masood, an economic analyst.
Earlier, the Afghanistan Business Council in the United Arab Emirates held a meeting on September 28 and 29 this year with representatives from global organizations, including the World Bank, to discuss investment opportunities and the country’s economic development.