A Comparative Study of International Construction Contracts (FIDIC’s Red Book 2017 and Green Book 2021) and the Public Construction Contract Conditions in AfghanistanTechnique

Construction contracts consist of versatile documents that bind various parties involved in a project to ensure its successful completion. The more standardized, clear, and fair the contract conditions are, the less room there is for disputes. Therefore, the significance of contract documents is evident in ensuring that the construction project is delivered on time, within budget, and within within scope. In this study, the contract conditions or provisions outlined in the Standard Bidding Documents (SBD) for the Procurement of Large Works (PLWs) and Procurement of Small Works (PSWs) in Afghanistan are compared with the FIDIC Red Book 2017 and FIDIC Green Book 2021, focusing on specific contract conditions or provisions. The study employed a qualitative research methodology centered on reliable resources from the library. Base on the results, several key points were concluded: there are differences, similarities, both differences and similarities and no significant differences in SBD and FIDIC contract conditions in various aspects exists; Several shortcomings reveals in SBD for PSWs; Notable differences exist among the SBD documents themselves and SBD for PSWs requires modifications and enhancements. Overall, this research highlights essential issues in the SBD documents that promote standardizations, clarity, and fairness in contract provisions drafting and effective administration of contract. These insights are particularly beneficial for stakeholders in the construction industry, as they contribute to enhanced contract practices in publicly funded construction projects in Afghanistan.