40.4 million afghani were paid for, precious stones in Kunar province in an open bidding process. These stones were sold in the presence of local officials and traders. According to officials, the auction has added over four million afghani to the government treasury.
“Today, with the sale of stones, 40.4 million afghani were collected, and 4.41 million afghani were added to the treasury of the Islamic Emirate,” said Mohammad Shirin, head of Kunar’s Mines and Petroleum department.
Meanwhile, traders of precious and semi-precious stones are calling on officials to provide more facilities in this sector.
“Foreign investors are also in contact with us and are interested in coming here. They want to cooperate with us in the electricity and processing sectors so that we can export these precious stones to other countries. This will be beneficial for traders and will also increase the government’s revenue,” said Izzatullah, a trader from Kunar.
“If processing machines are activated here and the stones are refined, employment opportunities will be created for 100 to 150 people,” said Mirzaman, another trader in the province.
Last week, beryl worth 41.3 million afghani was sold in an open bidding process in Asadabad, the capital of Kunar province.
