KABUL (SW): Eklil Hakimi, Minister of Finance is off to Germany for the forthcoming annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) where he will present the details of fundamental development projects underway in Afghanistan.
Ajmal Hameed, spokesman for the MoF told Salam Watandar that the minister would represent the country at the ADB’s annual meeting in Germany. He said that the minister would try to convince the ADB for its further support for major development projects planned for the future. He noted that these projects are associated with the agriculture, transport, energy and communication sectors.
The ADB has been supporting different projects across the country since 2002.
The spokesman said that Eklil Hakimi would also hold exclusive meetings with the ADB officials on the sidelines of the meeting during which matters related to the NATO’s forthcoming summit in Brussels would also be discussed. This summit holds fundamental importance for the financial support of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). The Kabul government aims to secure lasting support for the ANSF in it.
The Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India (TAPI) gas pipeline would also be deliberated upon in meetings in Germany.
Commenting on these state of affairs, Taj Mohammad Akbar, Professor at the Kabul University, told Salam Watandar that it is important the government present a strong case at the ADB meeting. He mentioned that additional grants should be secured for development projects in relatively safe areas that require development. He added that the ADB’s help should be sought to train and lift the banking sector in the country.
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