KABUL - The industry and commerce minister-designate on Sunday suggested the country’s economy would continue to suffer badly in the absence of an effective strategy to end the monopoly of foreign mafia.

Sardar Mohammad Rahimi, presenting his future programmes before the Wolesi Jirga, identified large industries and state-owned enterprises as the main drivers of economic growth.

But such were affected by the government’s negligence, he believed, alleging the Afghan economy was being controlled by some mafia groups behind capital flight.

Rahimi urged Afghan traders and investors to focus on generating jobs for the people, something that would eventually translate into economic development.

“Given a vote of trust, I will leave no stone unturned in tackling the problems being faced by the vital economic sector,” promised Rahim, who is the son of Haidar Mohammad.

He was born in 1978 in Tirinkot, the capital of Uruzgan province. He has received his master’s degrees in political science and political geography from Tehran University.

Earlier, he served as lecturer in a number of universities. Rahimi has also been advisor to the Ministry of Urban Development and cultural advisor to the Wolesi Jirga. (Pajhwok)