Sunday, July 17, 2011 – World Bank and Afghan Ministry of Finance on Saturday singed a $52 million grant to support the government’s efforts for effective natural resources management .
Officials in Afghanistan’s Ministry of Finance said, the grant will be spent on natural resources management of the country in the next four years.
In the meantime, officials in Ministry of Mines say that the aid will encourage further investments in natural resources sector.
Officials further added, the new grant of $52 million will help mines ministry and the National Environmental Protection Agency to further improve their capacities to manage the country’s mineral and energy resources.
Omar Zakhilwal, Finance Minister said, “Developing Afghanistan’s natural resources in an open, transparent and efficient manner is a top priority in the government’s agenda.”
He also said, The government remains committed to ensuring the country’s rich mineral potential is managed according to internationally accepted norms and procedures for the benefit of the people of Afghanistan.
In the meantime, Waheedullah Shahrani, Minister of Mines said, “Mining is an important aspect for the growth of Afghan economy which will lead to employment generation in the country. Necessary steps will be taken to introduce great transparency and streamlining the mining law.”
Officials said, mining projects will help Afghanistan to become self sufficient economy wise and stand on its own feet.
Josephine Bassinette, acting Director of World Bank in Afghanistan said, “With initial assistance from the World Bank, the Afghan government has made steady progress on several fronts.”
Josephine Bassinette further added, “They are not only implementing global standards of transparent management of mineral and hydrocarbon revenues, but are working to ensure that their remarkable natural resources will be used for the good of Afghanistan and for the communities where the resources are located.”
In the meantime, officials in Ministry of Mines said, the ministry is looking to hire foreign experts for the bidding evaluation of Logar copper mine and Hajigak Iron mine, which are Afghanistan’s largest mines.
