(MENAFN- Daily Outlook Afghanistan) KABUL- The World Bank has started consulting stakeholders on identifying economicinitiatives in support of peace in Afghanistan once a political settlement isreached with the Taliban.
Ina statement, the World Bank said it was seeking broader input from allstakeholders and has made public several draft documents on its website tofacilitate the process.
Atthe 2018 Geneva Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan, the World Bank wastasked to support planning for post-settlement economic development projectsand programming in light of discussions.
HenryKerali, the World Bank country director, said the consultations would serveseveral purposes.
'First,we want to show that a peace agreement can bring substantial economic benefitsto all Afghans and is in the interest of all parties involved in the ongoingconflict Kerali said.
'Second,we want to identify potential principles and themes to guide programmingdecisions following a settlement.
'Finally,we want to provide some concrete ideas about the kind of programs that could bescaled up or initiated to maintain peace and realize new economic opportunitiesin Afghanistan.
Henoted the consultations come at a critical time for Afghanistan. "TheWorld Bank is merely providing technical analysis and is not involved in anynegotiations; our priority is to plan for the future of Afghanistan.
'Peaceprospects can improve if the right economic conditions are in place and create jobopportunities for those who might otherwise take up arms. Kerali also notedthat public input would be vital to ensure effective planning.
TheWorld Bank is inviting comment on three documents published on its Afghanistanwebsite:
Atwo-page consultation note;
Ashort consultation presentation; and
Afull technical report.
Consultationsare expected to continue until a peace agreement is achieved and newprogramming decisions are made.
Thepublic was asked to share comments and questions throughout the process viaemail or through comments on the relevant website. (Pajhwok)
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