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Improving business in Afghanistan

On Sunday 19 October more than 200 business leaders came together in Kabul to discuss how to improve the business environment in Afghanistan.

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Gathering of business leaders in Kabul.

Gathering of business leaders in Kabul.

The purpose of the Conference, “Private Sector Priorities for Reform”, was to identify a short list of practical, measurable and realistic reforms that would remove constraints to doing business in Afghanistan, helping to spur economic growth.

Minister Zakhilwal opened the event. In his speech, he explained how important it was for the new National Unity Government to focus on improving the economy, creating jobs and changing people’s lives. Both Afghan businesses and foreign investment have a key role to play in the coming years, and some current problems must be addressed.

Business leaders then discussed the challenges that were faced in different sectors, and what reforms were needed. Based on the discussions, a report including a list of priorities will now be drawn up, which will be used to feed into the London Conference on Afghanistan.

This event was organised by Harakat and the ACCI, with support from the UK’s Department for International Development.

Published 11 November 2014