He said foreign investors are showing interest in Afghanistan’s mining sector, which is estimated to be worth over $1 trillion. He said 40 companies had participated in the auction of an iron mine in western Herat and a lead mine in central Ghor province, and the results would be announced soon.
He said a major contract was signed with Russia in September for the supply of gas, oil and wheat, which would be supplied to Afghanistan in the coming days.
The Taliban-led administration has faced growing alienation in recent days over policies restricting women from access to public life, including attending university.
An order banning female NGO workers has thrown the humanitarian sector providing immediate aid to millions of people into disarray, with some organizations suspending operations in the midst of the bitter cold.
Azizzi did not comment on the new restrictions, but said his ministry had allocated 5 acres of land for a permanent exhibition center and center for women-led businesses.
“We always support women investors,” he said.