KABUL - President Ashraf Ghani hopes Afghanistan will become a giant copper and iron producer in the next two decades, his office said on Wednesday.

At a meeting with Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry officials during his recent visit to the UAE, Ghani highlighted the enormous investment opportunities offered his administration.

A statement from the Presidential Palace quoted Ghani as touting lucrative investment chances in mining, telecommunications, agriculture and civilian aviation sectors.

While appreciating the UAE investment in different sectors of Afghanistan’s economy, he wooed the Arab entrepreneurs to explore more opportunities in the conflict-devastated country.

“In the next 20 years, our country will become one of the world’s leading copper and iron-producing nations,” the president told his interlocutors.

UAE trade leaders expressed their willingness to invest in aviation, telecom, mining, fuel exploration and agriculture sectors, according to the statement, which said both sides agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation. A day earlier, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Ghani at Al Mushrif Palace. A 21-gun salute was fired in honour of the guest.

Mohammed hoped that Ghani’s visit would contribute toward the further enhancement of cooperative relations between the UAE and Afghanistan. They agreed to bolster ties in economic, developmental and social fields.

Ghani updated Mohammed on the efforts being made by his government to achieve development and build national institutions. He spoke about the role of the international community in helping Afghanistan bring about security and economic stability.

The two sides also reviewed UAE’s role in supporting efforts for the reconstruction of Afghanistan’s health, education and infrastructure projects as well as its contribution to maintaining security. (Pajhwok)