KABUL, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan government has approved 17 major development projects valued at 5 billion afghanis (about 77.6 million U.S. dollars) to strengthen infrastructure and upgrade electricity networks nationwide, the office of the deputy prime minister for economic affairs announced on Sunday.
The national procurement commission, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, reviewed 29 proposals before endorsing the 17 initiatives.
The projects cover key areas including construction of a customs facility, road building, electricity transmission and distribution, and other essential infrastructure. All are fully financed from the government's domestic budget, according to the office's statement.
Authorities said the initiatives are expected to improve public services and generate employment opportunities for local communities as Afghanistan continues its gradual recovery from decades of conflict and economic hardship.
The approval underscores the government's ongoing efforts to rebuild critical infrastructure and stimulate economic activity through self-funded development programs. ■
