Baradar tells officials to pay close attention to security of contractors

Mullah Abdul Ghani Bardar Akhund, deputy prime minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) for economic affairs, on Thursday told security officials in north of the country to pay close attention to the security of domestic and foreign contractors.

Bardar said this while visiting Balkh province where he met also with officials of Samangan, Sar-i-Pul and Jowzjan.

Baradar emphasized on the efficient extraction and transfer of mines and the transparent implementation of contracts, according to a statement released by his office.

He noted that mines are the main source of the country’s national budget and revenues, and asked officials to do their best to conserve this national wealth and ensure transparency in its extraction.

Baradar also recommended that security officials pay close attention to the security of domestic and foreign contractors in the provinces and not allow anyone to disrupt efforts for development of the country.

Economic experts meanwhile say security is essential for investors to invest in major projects in north Afghanistan.

“Now when high level officials talk of safety of lives and property of investors, it will undoubtedly help increase investment in the country. Moreover, legalizing mineral extraction would also increase investment in the country,” said Abdul Naseer Reshteya, an expert on economic affairs.

Baradar’s visit to north comes a week after IEA officials signed a contract with China’s CAPEIC (Xinjiang Central Asia Petroleum and Gas Co) Company for the extraction of oil in the Amu River basin, which covers a large area across parts of three northern provinces.