The Deputy Minister of Labor Affairs Participates at the Inauguration Ceremony of the Toti Gas Maidan Block Exploration and Extraction Project

The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Alhaj Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund; Special Envoy of the President of Uzbekistan, Ismatullo Ergashev, and his accompanying delegation; members of the Islamic Emirate cabinet; officials of the local administration of Jawzjan province; the President of Kam Air Company and his working team attended this ceremony.

By the inauguration of the Toti Maidan Gas Block extraction project, numerous employment opportunities will be created both directly and indirectly for Afghan citizens, and it will reduce the unemployment rate in the country. It will fulfill the internal demand for Gas within the country, reduce the country's reliance on imported gas and electricity, prevent the outflow of foreign currency and money, and, gradually, we will be able to export gas abroad. Overall, it will play an important role in the economic development of the country. These remarks were made by the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Alhaj Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, at the beginning of the ceremony after welcoming the guests from the friendly country of Uzbekistan and other attendees.

It is a matter of pride that Afghanistan is hosting a distinguished delegation from neighboring country Uzbekistan, and today the Toti Maidan project is being implemented through a bilateral agreement between the two countries. I am confident that the implementation of this and other similar large projects will have a positive and beneficial impact on economic growth, stability, self-sufficiency, investment attraction, and regional connectivity. The launch and implementation of the Toti Maidan Gas exploration and extraction project will not only benefit Jawzjan province, but also contribute to the welfare and development of residents of other provinces residents. On the one hand, it will provide suitable investment opportunities for investors from the neighboring country, and on the other hand, it will create direct and indirect employment for many Afghans, and it will reduce the unemployment rate in the country. Alhaj Mawlavi Mohammad Zahid Ahmadzai, the Deputy Minister of Labor Affairs, added these remarks at the opening ceremony of the Toti Maidan Gas Extraction and Exploration Project.

At the end of his speech, Mawlavi Mohammad Zahid Ahmazai praised the investment and trade of foreign investors and traders. He called on Afghan investors both at home and abroad to take advantage of the nationwide security and other available opportunities to invest in various sectors within the country. He encouraged them to stand alongside the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in the development and reconstruction of the country, and the IEA is committed to supporting and providing facilitation to investors throughout the country.