With the Islamic Emirate takeover, steps have been taken for using domestic products and supporting the private sector in the country. It is the second time the Islamic Emirate has urged all government institutions to go for using the country’s domestic products. Previously, the country’s Ministry of Finance had urged all government institutions to use domestic products rather than imported products. In a meeting held the other day with the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Beradar Akhund in the chair, bolstering the industrial sector and supporting industrialists were discussed. In a statement issued by the office of the deputy prime minister said the meeting decided that the Afghanistan Chamber of Industry and Mines would take the initiative to formally present domestic products to the Tariff Committee. It said following a meticulous assessment of quality, quantity, and pricing, the Tariff Committee, featuring representatives from the General Directorate of Intelligence, Afghanistan Food and Drug Authority, and Afghanistan National Standard Authority, would adjust import tariffs to ensure enough supply to the market considering domestic production. Furthermore, in alignment with Resolution No. 19 of the Cabinet of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, dated 9/6/1444, all governmental institutions were mandated to prioritize domestic products in their procurement processes, it said. This commitment extends even to cases where domestic product quality may lag behind foreign counterparts by 10 to 15 percent. Government entities were directed to maintain comprehensive lists of domestic products and seek quotations accordingly during procurement. To address security concerns for industrialists and investors and foster effective coordination, it was resolved that within three days, the ministries of Interior, Finance, Industry, and Commerce, the general directorate of intelligence, and the Chambers of Afghanistan Trade and Investment and Industry and Mines will designate competent representatives to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, it said. Additionally, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce assumed the pivotal role of submitting product names, marks, and brands for anti-counterfeiting measures to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs. The time has come that ordinary Afghans and all national institutions should use locally produced products as hundreds of manufacturing companies are now operating to produce quality products in different provinces of the country. With the Islamic Emirate (IEA) takeover and improvement of overall security situation across the country, the ground has provided for launching locally manufacturing companies in the country. The Islamic Emirate leadership by supporting the private sector and prioritizing domestic products wants to open a new chapter of economic development. It had previously asked all government institutions to use locally produced products in their offices too. It is considered a key step towards supporting the private sector as well as domestic products in the country. Mashal Noori
Using domestic products & supporting private sector IEA’s top priorities
