The Taliban’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce has announced the showcasing of Panjshir emeralds for the first time in the province, aiming to attract domestic and foreign investments.
According to the Taliban, the exhibition features Panjshir emeralds and handicrafts, precious and semi-precious stones, non-alcoholic beverages, carpets, and dairy products.
This exhibition, featuring 48 booths, will be open to visitors for three days from Wednesday, July 10th to July 12th.
Previously, Mohammad Qasim Amir, head of mines and petroleum in Panjshir, stated that over 60,000 carats of Panjshir emeralds have been sold for four million dollars.
Meanwhile, critics question the destination of Afghanistan’s mining revenues amid intensified efforts by the Taliban in extraction and sales. Former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has criticized these practices, citing concerns over their international legitimacy.
Ghani expressed concerns over the duration and allocation of Taliban contracts for mining operations, questioning the transparency and utilization of revenues generated.
Meanwhile, Foreign Policy reported in the current year that 14 Al-Qaeda-affiliated groups profit from mining revenues facilitated by the Taliban, utilizing these funds inside and outside Afghanistan for various purposes.
Meanwhile, the showcasing of Panjshir emeralds and other local products at the exhibition reflects Taliban efforts to stimulate economic activity in the region. However, concerns persist regarding transparency and the equitable distribution of mining revenues.
Efforts to attract investments and promote local industries are pivotal for Panjshir’s economic revival. Transparency in resource management and equitable distribution of benefits will be crucial in building sustainable economic development in the province.
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