The Afghan government has issued licenses for 13 air transport companies in the post-Taliban Afghanistan, a local newspaper reported Monday.

In addition to Afghanistan National flag carrier the Ariana and the private aviation firm the Kam Air, 11 more air transport companies have obtained licenses from the Ministry for Transport, Daily Cheragh said.

Eight more transport companies have applied for licenses, it further added.

Majority of these firms are joint venture with foreigners particularly from the United States, Germany and Russia, Daily Cheragh said.

Nevertheless, the Kabul International Airport as well as other airstrips in the provinces is not so equipped to facilitate the taking off and landing of passenger planes.

The Afghan government in the post-Taliban central Asian state has encouraged private sector to play key role in rebuilding of the war-torn Afghanistan.

Source: Xinhua