Feature: Chinese companies committed to rebuilding Afghanistan in post-war era

KABUL, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) — Ahmad Khorrami, a Chinese-major junior from Kabul University, stood before a plaque inscribed with “China Aid” at the university’s auditorium, reflecting on efforts China has made to help rebuild his homeland in post-war era.
In August 2021, U.S.-led troops left Afghanistan. Following 20 years of war, Chinese companies in the war-torn country have offered aid and disaster relief with various programs, helping the nation deal with economic and social challenges.
Nearly a year after the war ended, a new comprehensive teaching complex at Kabul University, funded by the China 19th Metallurgical Group Corporation Limited (MCC 19), was officially put into operation. The complex covers over 14,000 square meters with 30 multifunctional classrooms, in addition to an academic lecture hall, a 1,490-seat auditorium, and two conference rooms.
“China has consistently supported Afghanistan in the education sector. With the opening of this building, students at Kabul University now have more opportunities to attend lectures in various disciplines. We are deeply grateful for China’s assistance,” said Khorrami.
In April, MCC 19 launched a new aid program, planning to construct 56 residential buildings in Kabul, totaling 1,400 housing units. Currently, the foundation work for the complex was completed, and six buildings have already been topped out. Towering cranes at the construction site have become a rare sight in Kabul.
Cao Bingsen, a procurement manager of MCC 19’s Afghanistan project team, said that a large number of local people have been hired for the project, against the backdrop of high unemployment.
“It’s better to teach a man fishing than to give him fish. Chinese technicians teach skills to local laborers, and Afghan workers can learn a trade in masonry, electrical work and carpentry,” Cao said.
Impressed by smiling faces of the Afghan people, Cao, who arrived in Afghanistan at the end of 2020, expressed hope that the residential building project could be completed as soon as possible.
Lin Fahe, deputy director of the Afghanistan office of the China Railway 14th Bureau Group Co., Ltd., has worked in Afghanistan for 16 years, participating in several projects, including a major hospital in Kabul.
“Republic Hospital, also known as Jamhuriat Hospital, was completed and put into use in 2017, contributing to healthcare for local residents,” Lin said, pointing to the fact that there had been no hospitals of that size in Afghanistan before.
According to Lin, the company was discussing a technical cooperation project for the hospital with Afghan officials, aiming to upgrade equipments to provide better medical services.
“I am very happy to work here, and that is good for reconstruction of my country,” said Allah Dad, an Afghan employee at the office for nearly 10 years. ■