Business

Corruption at Afghan customs offices almost zero: official

Published

2 years ago

May 20, 2022

(Last Updated On: )

The level of corruption at Afghanistan’s customs department has been stamped out to almost zero, a senior finance ministry official said this week.

In an interview with Ariana News, Mairaj Mohammad Mairaj, head of Afghanistan Revenue Department, asked international anti-corruption institutions to closely study the process of revenue collection in Afghanistan.

“An Islamic system is now in place in Afghanistan. You can see there is transparency. We can confidently say that the level of corruption is nearing zero,” Mairaj said.

The official questioned the transparency of the $2 billion international humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, saying it has not resolved the issue of high level poverty in the country.

“If they give $500 million to IEA, you will not find any poor person anywhere in Afghanistan,” Mairaj said.

On the 10 percent tax on mobile phone top-ups, Mairaj said this money will go to the national budget, and not into private pockets.

On ushr and zakat, the official said that it is not mandatory for people to pay zakat to the government.

“If one is obliged to pay zakat, he may give it to his relatives, other poor people or the government,” Mairaj said.

He said that millions of dollars of cash that is regularly dispatched to Afghanistan is not intended for IEA, but is spent on UNAMA programs.

Related Topics:Corruption customs featured Finance revenue

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Contract worth $113 million signed for e-scanners at Afghan ports

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

Published

23 mins ago

July 27, 2024

Ariana News

(Last Updated On: )

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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Business

$23 million pharmaceutical company opens in Kabul

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

Published

22 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Ariana News

(Last Updated On: )

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 to Afghanistan resume after four year break

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

Published

2 days ago

July 25, 2024

Ariana News

(Last Updated On: )

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.