Officials from Kabul Municipality have announced the transfer of four commercial markets to the private sector, with a total value of over one billion afghani.
Officials also mentioned that three additional markets will be transferred to the private sector, with a combined value exceeding 2.6 billion afghani.
Nematullah Barakzai, a representative of Kabul Municipality, said: "The contracts for around four projects have been finalized, with a total cost of more than one billion afghani. Additionally, three other projects are ready for contracts, which will attract over 2.6 billion afghani in investment to Kabul."
Some shopkeepers in Kabul's municipal markets consider the establishment of large markets beneficial for reducing urban congestion but express concerns about high rent prices and demand rent reductions.
Noorullah, one of the shopkeepers, said: "Building such markets is very helpful as it contributes to both urban order and convenience for both buyers and sellers."
Abdul Malik, another shopkeeper, said: "Shop rents need to come down because they are too high, and people cannot afford to buy. We are forced to sell goods at higher prices because of the high rents."
Ainuddin, another shopkeeper, commented: "The rents should be fair. This benefits both the market owners and shopkeepers. If the markets grow, shopkeepers will be able to work more easily."
Some investors also believe that the construction of these markets will benefit the country’s economic growth.
Fareedu-ur-Rahman Osmani, an investor, said: "Investment in our country is very good, and all traders are coming together to invest in different parts of the city, which helps reduce urban congestion."
Kabul Municipality officials also announced plans to build two more large markets, one for gold traders and another for dried fruits.
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