Afghanistan to collaborate with NIRD: Karzai

Hyderabad, Apr 12 (UNI) Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai today said the management of National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD) has agreed to set up its branch for providing training to the for sustainable rural development in Afghanistan.

Talking to mediapersons here, Mr Karzai, who visited the NIRD as part of two day tour to the Pearl city along with a delegation, said ''we requested the NIRD to set up its branch in Afghanistan, which would provide training to the people for rural development''. The management of NIRD was also very keen to establish its branch at the earliest.

Stating that his government has been taking steps to develop the rural economy, women empowerment and providing housing facility for four years, he said the Government wanted technical assistance from the NIRD on regular basis, which would strengthen the rural economy and people's empowerment.

He said 12 officials participated in training programme, offered by the NIRD last year.

Earlier, the President attended a presentation on NIRD activities given by the management and discussed with the officials about new initiatives for rural development.

On the occasion, Mr Karzai interacted with the Self Help Groups(SHG) and bought some products produced by them at Rural Technology Park (RTP) located in NIRD.

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