First Deputy Governor Meets with Turkey’s TKBB Secretary General

The First Deputy Governor of Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB), Sediqullah Khalid, during his visit to Turkey, met with Ismail Vural, the Secretary General of the Participation Banks Association of Turkey (TKBB).

Underscoring the TKBB’s ongoing efforts to advance Islamic Banking across the country, DAB's first deputy governor noted that interest-based banking has been fully discontinued in Afghanistan, and all commercial banks now deliver financial services to the public in accordance with Sharia law.

Mr. Sediqullah Khalid further highlighted that public confidence in the banking sector continues to strengthen, with deposit levels showing steady and consistent growth. He noted that the initiatives launched to expand electronic and digital payments are paving the way for modernizing the country’s financial system.

Mr. Sediqullah Khalid called on the TKBB to cooperate with DAB in establishing electronic payment infrastructures, enhancing technical capacities, and supporting training programs.

The first deputy governor of DAB also noted that the initiatives launched to expand electronic and digital payments are paving the way for the modernization of the country’s financial system. He called on the Participation Banks Association of Türkiye to cooperate with Da Afghanistan Bank in establishing electronic payment infrastructures, enhancing technical capacities, and supporting training programs.

The TKBB’s Secretary General, Ismail Vural, also stated during the meeting that ten Islamic banks are currently operating in Turkey, three of which are entirely digital. According to him, approximately 97% of banking transactions and payments in Turkey are carried out electronically, reflecting the significant advancement of the country’s financial sector.

Both sides agreed that DAB will request the TKBB to dispatch a technical team to assess the current state of electronic payments in Afghanistan and to conduct a technical review of DAB’s comprehensive plan. Based on the findings of this assessment, DAB will determine its operational priorities and take the necessary steps to implement programs across both banking and non-banking sectors.

Furthermore, it was also agreed that, with the support of the TKBB, the necessary training programs will be provided to enhance staff capacity and accelerate the rollout of digital payment systems in Afghanistan.

The TKBB has made significant contributions to digital banking, supporting the establishment of digital banks in Turkey and enhancing the quality of online banking services. In addition, the TKBB provides digital services to all banks in Turkey, and if other countries request assistance, these services are also delivered by the Association.

It is worth noting that the DAB's first deputy governor visited Turkey on 16 November of the current year, during which he held meetings with officials and representatives of various financial and banking institutions in this country.