A contract worth $113 million was signed on Saturday for the installation of electronic scanners at the country’s customs units at border crossings.

According to the deal, 33 scanners will be installed at the country’s 12 customs units to bolster security and curb smuggling.

The scanners will be installed at Torkham, Hairatan, Spin Boldak, Islam Qala, Torghundi, Nimroz, Abu Nasr Farahi, Khost, Paktia, Aqina, and Sher Khan ports to ensure comprehensive screening of all types of goods, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs said in a statement.

The contract was signed between the Ministry of Finance and a private company.

The project is slated for completion within two years, providing approximately 2,000 job opportunities and representing a significant step forward in modernizing the country’s customs infrastructure, the statement said.

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A new pharmaceutical company, costing $20 million, was officially opened on Thursday in Kabul in the presence of Islamic Emirate leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.

The new company will reportedly manufacture 50 different types of drugs once fully operational.
Addressing the launch ceremony on Thursday, Baradar outlined the importance of quality in terms of pharmaceuticals and said poor-quality drugs threaten lives while good-quality medicines can save lives.

Baradar also pointed out that more manufacturing companies like this will help grow the country’s economy.

He once again called on investors, both in the country and abroad, to help in the reconstruction and development of the country and start businesses. He also said the way has been paved for them to invest and that they should make use of the opportunities available.

Health officials meanwhile said that currently there are 77 pharmaceutical companies in the country and that serious efforts are being made to make the country self-sufficient in this regard.

The Islamic Emirate officials also stated that while they fully cooperate with pharmaceutical companies, these manufacturers need to produce drugs that meet international standards.

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Sugar exports from Pakistan to Afghanistan resumed this week after a four-year suspension, with over 400 vehicles crossing the Torkham border in the last four days.

According to Pakistan sources, Islamabad recently agreed to the export of 150,000 tons of sugar to Afghanistan, setting an August 15 deadline for the completion of the shipment process.

Customs clearing agents at Torkham said around 100 vehicles, each carrying 33 tons of sugar, crossed into Afghanistan four days ago and more thereafter.

Islamabad banned the export of sugar to Afghanistan four years ago to address shortages and control prices in the country.

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