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Showing posts from January, 2019

Italy supports Afghan Govt in its efforts to protect and manage the archaeological & cultural landscape of the Bamyan Valley

Italian Government signed an agreement with the UNESCO Kabul Office, represented by Masanori Nagaoka, for implementing a new 4.1 million Euros initiative in Bamyan, Afghanistan. The 3-year Program is aimed at supporting the Afghan Government in its efforts to protect and manage the archaeological and cultural landscape of the Bamyan Valley through an integrated approach that combines direct conservation actions along the main Buddha cliff with the preservation and valorization of their natural and cultural environment. Inscribed in the List of World Heritage in Danger since 2003, Bamyan’s Cultural Landscape contains important archaeological and historical sites, from the well-known Buddha statue niches, to the fortified settlements and fortresses of Shahr-i Zuhak and Shahr-e Gholgholah, as well as many shrines, caves and fortified houses. Bamiyan is also the tourist location most visited by Afghans with promising opportunities for the local economy. The Program includes three mai

Doing business better in the I.R. of Afghanistan

Turkey becomes the largest importer of Afghan saffron

Turkey which reportedly needs up to 300 tons of saffron a year will turn into a major customer of Afghanistan’s saffron, said Mr. Chinar of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).  Statistics show that Afghanistan produces 15 tons of saffron annually, most of which is produced in Herat province in the west of the country. Chinar said they will continue to remove the 30 percent tariffs on Afghanistan’s saffron. “We want to boost the market for Afghanistan’s saffron through Turkey. I hope that the saffron reflect its Afghan identity,” said Chinar. Officials from Afghanistan’s Saffron Producers Union said Turkey can play as an important bridge for exporting the product to the United States and European markets. “Removing customs charges will be helpful in this regard and it will be an achievement for saffron sector if it is implemented,” said Qudratullah Rahmati, deputy head of the Union. The Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Nasir Ahmad Durrani, meanwhile,

Lack of electricity is one of the main reasons behind the very dangerous air pollution in Kabul