The acting deputy Prime minister for economic affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, said in a statement on Sunday that the Taliban government will proceed with plans to convert former foreign military bases into special economic zones in the country.
“It was decided that the Ministry of Industry and Commerce should progressively take control of the remaining military bases of the foreign forces to convert them into special economic zones,” Mullah Baradar said.
He added that the project would begin from the capital city Kabul and the northern Balkh province and expands to other parts of the country.
In August 2021, the United States and its allies withdrew their troops from Afghanistan, leaving the military bases in place.
After the foreign troop’s withdrawal, the Taliban-led government took control of power in the country. Still, the international community has not recognized the Taliban government.
This led to the deepening economic and humanitarian crisis in the country.
Recently, China has shown interest in taking the initiative and investing in the country. On the other hand, China wants to connect Afghanistan via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPAC), which is part of the One Belt One Road Initiative (BRI).
Therefore, the de facto government in Afghanistan would like to take this initiative to strengthen regional cooperation and the region’s economy.
Meanwhile, there have been several significant challenges to implementing economic projects in the country. Among them, security and stability are the most critical challenges for the current regime.
Meanwhile, the international community has their conditions to recognize the Taliban government; including inclusive government, respecting women’s rights, and women’s education and work are the most important things yet to be realized.
