The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Participates in the "National Conference on Microfinance: Opportunities and Challenges"

The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, attended Da Afghanistan Bank "National Conference on Microfinance: Opportunities and Challenges" today November 13, 2024. The conference focused on encouraging investment and creating job opportunities. Several esteemed members of the cabinet, representatives from the United Nations, the European Union, and the World Bank, ambassadors from various countries, officials from international and local institutions, as well as national investors and entrepreneurs, also participated in the conference.

In his speech at the conference, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that the beneficiaries of the microfinance sector are ordinary and impoverished people, farmers, and small business owners. Supporting them is a shared goal of both the Islamic Emirate and the international community.

He further added that the Islamic Emirate considers reducing poverty and unemployment in the country a key responsibility and priority. Based on this, Da Afghanistan Bank has established a regulation for the monitoring and regulation of microfinance institutions aimed at supporting small businesses and creating new job opportunities. This is something that had not been done in the past two decades. According to Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund, with the establishment of nationwide security and the creation of transparency, now more than ever, there is a favorable environment to assist the people and provide them with job opportunities through the microfinance sector.

In his remarks at the conference, Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund emphasized that supporting microfinance and collaborating in this sector is crucial because it directly impacts the lives of ordinary and impoverished people. Through this sector, help is extended to farmers, the general public, and the poor, providing them with job opportunities that reduce poverty, unemployment, and social issues. As a result, this contributes to economic growth and strengthens the national economy.

At the conclusion of his speech, the Deputy Prime Minister called on the international community, donor organizations, and wealthy Afghans to stand alongside the Islamic Emirate in supporting microfinance. He also encouraged ordinary people, farmers, and small business owners to take advantage of the newly established regulation by microfinance institutions to start or expand their businesses.

It is worth noting that the regulation for microfinance institutions has simplified the conditions for obtaining financing, so that poor people from remote areas can access financial support. This process will be extended to all regions of the country.