Afghanistan Pursues Self-Reliance

The International Monetary Fund has completed the second review of the Afghan government’s measures in structural reforms and praised the country for its commitment and performance, Wadsam reported. Finance ministry spokesperson Ajmal Hammed Abdul Rahimzai said the IMF had appreciated “the commitments and performance of the Afghan government in the areas of maintaining financial stability, economic growth, macroeconomic stability, and implementation of reforms in financial sector, increased anti-corruption steps and providing job opportunities for Afghans.” The IMF executive board commended Afghanistan for the progress made in anti-corruption measures, particularly by criminalizing corruption in line with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and requiring asset declarations by Afghan officials. It further welcomed the progress with financial sector reforms for Afghan banking system stability, financial inclusion and economic development. Abdul Rahimzai said the high economic council under the chairmanship of President Ashraf Ghani had given instructions to the ministries on key economic issues such as self-sufficiency, financial stability and national interest.