Committee Meeting at MOIC Addresses Key Challenges in Printing and Publishing

KABUL(BNA): The Ministry of Information and Culture recently convened a committee meeting to discuss and address the challenges faced by printing houses, publishers, book and paper sellers. According to the Bakhtar News Agency reporter, the third meeting of this committee was chaired by Acting Director of Beyhaqi Book Publications, Mawlawi Abdul Aleem Zanwak Mufti Zada.

During the meeting, members discussed the primary issues affecting the printing and publishing sector, with committee members sharing their views and concerns. The committee head assured attendees that the leadership of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, along with the Ministry of Information and Culture, remains committed to addressing these issues through all feasible measures.

Several key decisions were made, including the submission of a proposal to the Office of the Prime Minister for establishing a private cultural center for independent publishers, booksellers, and printing houses. Additionally, the committee decided to initiate the licensing process for private booksellers and publishers and begin offering customs duty reductions or exemptions for raw materials.

The committee further discussed facilitating access to professional training in printing and establishing dedicated print media sections within educational institutions.

Additionally, a shift from contracting logistics companies to contracting directly with private publishers for required books was recommended. It was emphasized that textbooks for schools should be provided by private publishers, and international organizations supplying educational books to institutions should coordinate with local private publishers.

Bakhtar