The project is meant to create market for rural products and support the small and large entrepreneurs.

In a meeting at the Presidential Palace this morning, Rural Minister Ehsan Zia did a comprehensive presentation of the project, which will boost the economy and provide employment at the district levels. “Afghanistan last year imported large quantities of chicken eggs and meat, cooking oil, disposable dishes, tomato paste, salt, blankets, matches, soaps and many other things that we can produce in Afghanistan and even export out.”, the minister continued, “Afghanistan is the second largest producer of carpet in the region, but this position is wrongly given to another country since the product goes out under and through a different country”.

The minister stated that we can export our carpets via our own ports, thus supporting our carpet industry and providing job opportunities.

Minister Zia called the move important in empowering the villages and can help improve the quality of the local products. The move will also help reduce poppy cultivation as an important alternative.

The total cost for the Project is estimated to $ 585 million which will also provide credit loans to different groups with a special incentive to those with the best performance. Minister Zia concluded by urging for coordination among relevant ministries to implement the project.

President Karzai approved the Project as an important tool for economic growth and hoped it will result in considerable improvement in people’s life.

The President instructed Rural Development Minister to work with the Ministry of Finance for the budget and launch a pilot Project in initial phase in eight provinces.