The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs approved the “plan sanctioned by the National Transit Committee for the transportation of gas and oil from Turkmenistan to Pakistan, passing through Afghanistan, for a trial period.”
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs said on Twitter: “This significant undertaking aims to stimulate economic growth and fortify transit capabilities. The implementation of this project will facilitate the smooth flow of gas and oil from Central Asia to South Asia, leading to a substantial boost in national revenue, and the transportation sector of the country will experience remarkable development.”
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) meanwhile said that the plan was approved by the economic deputy PM’s office, in order to lay out economic enhancements.
“The transit of gas and fuel from North to South Asia… will increase national revenue and cause activation of the transport sector, which will provide job opportunities for our countrymen,” said Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, a spokesman for the MoIC.
This comes as the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) said that further facilities are needed for trade with the regional countries.
“The transit facilities can play an important role in the economic development of Afghanistan. The transport, people and custom offices of Afghanistan all will benefit from it,” said Mohammad Younus Momand, a member of the ACCI.
Some Afghan traders told TOLOnews that they are facing challenges in the transit sector.
“Our exports of fresh and dry fruits are still facing problems in tariffs, borders or customs offices,” said Mabobullah Mohammadi, a trader.
Afghanistan exports many of its products via Pakistan to India and also via Central Asian nations to European countries.
