October 29, 2025: With the second phase of the Qosh Tepa Canal excavation approaching completion, Mawlawi Ahmad Jan Bilal, Chairman of Emirati Companies, and Abdul Rahman Atash, Chief Executive Officer of the National Development Corporation (NDC), led a high-level delegation to the northern provinces to assess the progress of this major national project.

During the visit, Mr. Atash and his technical team inspected the canal’s dam, Phase Two excavation works, and other critical components, closely monitoring the ongoing activities on-site. He expressed satisfaction with the overall progress and urged project officials to ensure that all works are executed professionally, in accordance with the approved technical standards, plans, and timelines—so that the project’s key milestones are achieved without delay.

Meanwhile, Mawlawi Ahmad Jan Bilal also toured the site and emphasized that the primary objectives of this landmark national initiative are the equitable management of Afghanistan’s water resources, the enhancement of agricultural productivity, and the improvement of local economic conditions.

He commended the quality and pace of the work, noting that the Qosh Tepa Canal represents a historic opportunity for Afghanistan’s long-term economic growth. He further stressed the importance of collective responsibility and cooperation to ensure its successful completion.

At present, construction on the dam is approximately 85% complete, while excavation and filling works for Phase Two have reached around 95% completion. Additionally, several bridges and water control structures along the canal’s route are under active construction.

The Qosh Tepa Canal Project is one of Afghanistan’s most significant and strategic development undertakings. Originating from the Amu River, the canal will supply water to thousands of hectares of farmland across Balkh, Jowzjan, and Faryab provinces—helping to alleviate water scarcity. Once completed, it is expected to substantially increase agricultural output, improve rural livelihoods, and promote the equitable and sustainable management of the nation’s water resources.

10 Sep 2025: Mr. Abdulrahman Atash, CEO of the National Development Corporation (NDC), traveled to northern provinces of the country to inspect the ongoing progress of the Qosh Tepa Canal project. The visit aimed to assess the development of the works, ensure coordination among involved departments, and oversee quality control and evaluation of the ongoing construction activities.

Accompanied by his delegation, Mr. Atash first visited the intake structure of the Qosh Tepa Canal, where he closely reviewed the major construction works. He expressed satisfaction with the current progress and provided the responsible officials with important recommendations to enhance the professionalism and standard of the project’s implementation. He emphasized the critical importance of maintaining quality throughout the works and urged officials to strictly adhere to the approved project plan.

Mr. Atash also toured the canal’s entire length from the intake to Andkhoy district, inspecting various construction activities )canal excavation, canal lining, and the building of multiple bridges and water regulation structures(. His goal was to ensure that all work is proceeding according to the specified plan and quality standards. During these inspections, he offered specific guidance to department heads to improve organization, maintain safety and quality, and ensure compliance with the project timeline.

Furthermore, Mr. Atash stressed the importance of executing this large-scale national project in a manner that meets the hopes and expectations of the Afghan people, maintaining the highest standards of quality.

It is noteworthy that the Qosh Tepa Canal project is currently advancing at a rapid pace. Construction on the intake structure is approximately 82% complete, excavation and lining works of the second phase have reached 93%, and two bridges along the canal route have been finalized, with 13 additional bridges under simultaneous construction.

The Qosh Tepa Canal project is one of the country’s largest developmental undertakings. It draws water from the Amu River and supplies irrigation water to thousands of hectares of agricultural land across Balkh, Jowzjan, and Faryab provinces along its path.

3 Sep 2025: The professional extraction of coal mines and the construction of connecting roads between the mines in Balkhab District of Sar-e-Pul Province were officially inaugurated in a ceremony attended by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund; Director General of State-Owned Companies, Maulvi Ahmad Jan Bilal; CEO of the National Development Corporation, Abdul Rahman Attash; Governor of Da Afghanistan Bank, Noor Ahmad Agha; Governor of Sar-e-Pul, Mawlawi Mohammad Zarif Muzaffar; Governor of Bamiyan, Mawlawi Abdullah Sarhadi; and Governor of Faryab, Mawlawi Abdul Ahad Fazli, along with senior officials, scholars, and tribal elders.

In his remarks, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, emphasized that Afghanistan is a resource-rich country and highlighted the importance of establishing processing and production factories locally to maximize consumption, create job opportunities, and strengthen nationwide industry. Furthermore, he added that the Balkhab coal zone is among the country’s most significant and rich mineral resources, and the National Development Corporation is carrying out its extraction professionally and in accordance with international standards.

Mullah Baradar further noted that NDC has constructed over 200 kilometers of roads linking the mines to facilitate mining operations. The Deputy Prime Minister praised the efforts of the National Development Corporation and urged that extraction processes be conducted with higher standards, minimize waste, and comply with environmental protection principles. He promised local residents that the necessary coal would be supplied at reasonable prices and that social services would be expanded in the area.

Maulvi Ahmad Jan Bilal, Director General of State-Owned Companies, stated that companies under his supervision are committed to extracting coal mines professionally and preventing waste. He noted that the National Development Corporation has developed the mines in accordance with internationally accepted standards and emphasized that this is the first time in Afghanistan’s history that mining operations are being conducted in such a professional and advanced manner. He added that mines are a national trust, and each mine entrusted to them is treated as a national asset with careful preservation and utilization following all professional and legal standards.

At the same event, Mawlawi Abdullah Sarhadi, Governor of Bamiyan Province, emphasized that the responsibility for Afghanistan’s reconstruction and development rests with the Afghan people themselves. He stressed the importance of unity and cooperation, noting that the recent project is a clear example of national unity and collective effort. He also highlighted Afghanistan’s abundance of mineral resources and stressed that these should be managed responsibly to provide economic stability for future generations. He appreciated the National Development Corporation’s contributions and expressed hope for continued development initiatives in Balkhab.

Mawlawi Mohammad Zarif Muzaffar, Governor of Sar-e-Pul, noted that since the Islamic Emirate took power, practical steps have been taken to provide basic services in remote areas of the country. The inauguration of the Balkhab coal mines and connecting roads is a tangible example of these efforts. He stated that the project, implemented by the National Development Corporation, reflects the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to the proper management of the country’s natural resources and national development.

Up until now, approximately 100 mining pits have been dug in Balkhab, creating job opportunities for over 2,000 workers. Nearly 500,000 tons of coal are extracted annually from these mines, with plans to further increase production capacity.

It is worth mentioning that the Balkhab coal mines are among Afghanistan’s largest economic resources, and the professional extraction process managed by the National Development Corporation is considered a major achievement for the country’s energy and industrial development.

31 august 2025; The construction of the third Ghori Cement Factory in Pul-e-Khumri, Baghlan Province, has officially commenced in a ceremony attended by Deputy PM for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Director General of Emirate Companies Maulvi Ahmad Jan Bilal, CEO of the National Development Corporation Abdul Rahman Attash, Governor of Baghlan Mawlawi Abdul Rahman Haqqani, as well as senior officials, scholars, and community elders.

In his remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs emphasized that the launch of this third cement factory project carries strategic importance for Afghanistan’s industrial development. He stated that the plant will boost domestic production capacity, reduce dependence on imports, help stabilize cement prices, and play a key role in strengthening the national economy.

He further underlined that industrialization forms the foundation of economic growth in every country, and nations with strong industrial bases play a unique role in consolidating their national economies. He added that the third Ghori Cement Factory project represents a significant step toward self-reliance, job creation, and the broader industrialization of Afghanistan.

Mawlawi Ahmad Jan Bilal, Director General of State-Owned Companies, described the project as a vital milestone for Afghanistan’s industrial independence. He noted that with the factory’s construction and future operations, new employment opportunities will be created for young people, thereby paving the way for economic growth.

Similarly, Governor of Baghlan Mawlawi Abdul Rahman Haqqani highlighted the project as an important achievement for the country’s development. He stressed that under the Islamic Emirate, the industrial sector is advancing, and the third Ghori Cement Factory demonstrates the effective utilization of the nation’s natural resources. He assured that the Islamic Emirate will continue supporting the economic sector and that cooperation between the government and the people will guarantee Afghanistan’s progress.

It is worth noting that the third Ghori Cement Factory is being built with a budget of USD 86.7 million, fully financed by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, and is scheduled to be completed within 18 months before being handed over for operation.