Taliban Says Afghanistan’s Reconstruction Should Rely on Domestic Resources
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Taliban administration, has said Afghanistan’s reconstruction should be carried out by relying on domestic resources, local investment and the capital of Afghan traders, and that the country should not remain dependent on foreign aid and projects.
He said that in past decades, a number of countries, including the Soviet Union and the United States, implemented reconstruction and development projects in Afghanistan based on their own goals and interests. According to him, despite the implementation of some projects, these efforts were not sufficient to meet Afghanistan’s needs, and the country also suffered significant losses during periods of foreign presence.
Mujahid described the role of Afghan traders and investors in rebuilding the country and strengthening economic growth as essential. He added that the Taliban administration is trying to encourage traders and investors to invest inside the country so that reconstruction and development can move forward through domestic capital.
The Taliban spokesman also said domestic investment is important for strengthening Afghanistan’s economy and achieving self-sufficiency. He stressed that Afghanistan’s long-term development must ultimately be based on the efforts, capital and resources of Afghans themselves.
Reconstruction and infrastructure development in Afghanistan over the past two decades were also among the main focuses of foreign aid; however, Taliban officials now emphasise a model based on domestic resources.
