China, Afghanistan agree to expand economic coop
By Aynur Jafarova
China and Afghanistan have agreed to expand economic cooperation following the visit of the Afghan delegation to China, Afghan Deputy Minister of Public Works Ahmad Shah Wahid told Trend news agency on September 19.
According to Wahid, the two countries discussed the purchase of equipment by Afghanistan for construction of roads and the construction of railway to Central Asia through Afghanistan.
"We mulled these issues with China at the state level and with some private companies," Wahid said.
Furthermore, the parties discussed the Chinese private companies' investment in Afghanistan on the principle of construction-management-transfer, as well as on the basis of partnership.
"It is planned to make investments in roads and railways construction projects in Afghanistan," Wahid said.
He went on to say that China intends to implement the railway project, which connects China with Iran and the countries of the Persian Gulf through Afghanistan.
"Some sections of the railway that connects China and Afghanistan through Tajikistan are under construction," he said.
According to Wahid, once built this railway will open up an access to other Central Asian countries along with Afghanistan.
This project will take a lot of time to complete, but is sure to benefit the entire region
"China, as well as Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan is very interested in implementation of this project," he stressed.
Experts believe that the implementation of infrastructure projects will be a powerful impetus to further development of the Afghan economy and successful solution of important social issues, including those related to employment.