Investors irked by impediments in doing business

KABUL (SW): Lack of facilities for investors in Afghanistan is hindering promotion of trade, officials at the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) said on Tuesday.

Speakers at a moot in Kabul noted lack of access to global markets, dearth of standard processing and packaging, shortage of cold houses, extortion, and corruption at customs, lack of standard ports and difficulties in getting business visas have literally crippled economic growth in Afghanistan.

Atiqullah Nasrat, head of ACCI managing board, said in this meeting with investors and representatives of private sector that eliminating the impediments, creating facilities for transporters on the highways and at the ports will boost trade and help in exporting domestic products.

“At the moment, Afghanistan has 95 percent imports and only 5 percent exports”, he said while highlighting the trade deficit of the country.  

Hasibullah Mohed, deputy director for the Central Statistics Organization, said that extortion from traders, and rampant corruption have led to rise in the prices of many consumer items.

Participants of this session urged the government to pay serious attention to these issues.

ENDS