Afghanistan Banks Association

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Afghanistan Banks Association
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Afghanistan Banks Association

ABA Chairman joined Online Meeting on Humanitarian Emergency by CSIS

Date: December 17, 2021

ABA Chairman joined Online Meeting on Humanitarian Emergency by CSIS
On December 17th, 2021, a virtual meeting was organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), USA on the topic - “A Humanitarian Emergency: The event was virtually attended by Dr. Mohammad Salem Omaid, ABA Chairman.
The meeting was moderated by Ms. Annie Pforzheimer, Senior Associate, CSIS (Moderator) and she was also previously associated with the US Embassy in Kabul between 2015-2017. In the meeting, 250 high profile individuals, representatives of government/non-government entities, and well-known organizations, including Mr. Jason Chung, Senior Advisor CSIS, Ms. Kathryn Striffolino, Senior Manager, Humanitarian were attended.
Dr. Omaid started his interaction by clarifying to the audience that despite current challenges, the banking system in Afghanistan provides banking services to the customers, owing to a recent development by the international community and releasing frozen funds.
Dr. Omaid, further during addressing the questions raised to him clarified the following points in detail and sought urgent intervention of the international agencies.
- The country is currently facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. People have come onto the streets selling whatever they can for a piece of bread.
- Release funds partially so as to at least mitigate the current prevailing crisis
- Money needs to be immediately injected into the banking system to control the liquidity crisis
- The deteriorated loan portfolio and the rising NPL needs to be seriously looked into
- The monetary policy is already in place and is required to be followed amicably.
While addressing his short-term views for immediate resolution, he urged the international community to follow the UN strategies adopted for Afghanistan and take measures immediately.
The following are the views and opinions suggested by the other participants during their interaction
- Take immediate steps to control hunger and immediate relief to be provided especially during these winter months
- NGOs needs to be engaged more and there should be active consultation with them
- Collective approach will be required from the World Bank, IMF, US Treasury, and other experts to release the funds.
The overall discussion in the event primarily focused on supporting the country and releasing the funds in a phased manner while compliance measures are taken and the risk appetite is understood. The current leadership should adopt the best international practices for a more inclusive govt.