Afghanistan took a major step to attract investment on Wednesday as Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar approved an action plan for establishing special economic zones across the country.
Under a decree by the Islamic Emirate's Supreme Leader, the zones will be set up in seven provinces: Kabul, Balkh, Nangarhar, Kandahar, Herat, Paktia and Kunduz, which include the country's main commercial hubs and key gateways for trade with neighbouring states.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce, working with other ministries and government bodies, will identify land for the zones, decide which sectors and services they will host, and put in place the conditions needed to draw investors.
Officials say the zones aim to bring in new investment, move towards a better balance between exports and imports, and expand production in a supportive environment, opening a new phase of economic development. The plan comes shortly after Kabul approved a new foreign investment policy designed to attract international investors.