KABUL (SW) – Officials at the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment have revealed in a press conference that the de-facto government has a debt of $1.8 billion to the private sector.
Mohammad-Yunus Momand, the deputy of the Chamber, welcomes the commencement of the repayment process of private sector debts, supplies, and guarantees, expressing optimism that the money will be disbursed to deserving individuals following evaluation and investigation.
“We want the money to be disbursed to deserving individuals, and urge the Ministry of Finance to verify the status of some projects, whether they have been initiated or not,” he added.
Meanwhile, officials from the Afghanistan Agriculture and Livestock Chamber say that the government’s settlement of private sector debts will catalyze economic growth in Afghanistan.
Khan-Mohammad Frotan, the head of Afghanistan’s Agriculture and Livestock Chamber, says: “The companies were contractual in the rule of the Republic, and the money for supplies and guarantees, has remained.”
Abdul-Satar, an Afghan trader in Kabul, says that the de-facto government has not paid its debts for two years. He adds: “We want all our money that is in the bank, the money for guarantees and other provisions be paid. We hope that they do not ask us for more money.”
However, officials at the Ministry of Finance say that out of 51 budgetary institutions, 26 institutions have been identified so far, and the debts would be paid.
Ahmad-Wali Haqmal, the spokesperson for the ministry, says that 10% of the debts of these 26 institutions will be paid by the end of the solar year. “The process is ongoing, and whenever it is approved by the Ministry of Finance, it will be included in the payment list.”
Prior to this, officials from the private sector union had said in a meeting that 25% of private companies are facing the risk of bankruptcy due to non-payment of debts.
ENDS
