The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) Chairman holds an online meeting with the British Chargé d'Affaires to Afghanistan

ACCI’s Chairman Mr. Tawakal Ahmadyar, in the presence of ACCI’s acting CEO Mr. Mirwais Hotak, head of International Relations of the ACCI, and head of the Public Relations, holds an online meeting with the British Chargé d'Affaires to Afghanistan Mr. Robert Chatterton Dickson and discusses the challenges that the Afghan Private Sector is facing and the current economic situation of Afghanistan.

Mr. Ahmadyar said, “Challenges in banking and finance sectors, visas not being issued for Afghan traders by some countries, lack of financial support, lack of the interest of the donors to execute the commercial and economic plans of the Afghan Private Sector, and international community and global banks not completing their incomplete projects are challenges that have weakened the Afghan Private Sector and eliminated employment opportunities.”

He also added that to solve these problems, they have had many meetings with governmental authorities and will continue to do so. Meanwhile, they urge the international community to increase its support of the Afghan Private Sector.

Additionally, elaborating on the existing trade and transit problems with Pakistan, Mr. Ahmadyar said, “Officials in Karachi Port have increased insurance on Afghan commercial commodities, banned 212 imported items, and detained hundreds of containers which leads to the disastrous loss of the Afghan traders and investors.”

“Blemished economic and trade relations with the international community and countries of the region have caused numerous concerns among the Afghan Private Sector, but strengthening them will enable us to normally continue our export and import processes,” said Mirwais Hotak.

Mr. Dickson, besides appreciating the meeting and declaring it as imperative, said that he had had many trips to Afghanistan but in this meeting, many crucial and essential issues were brought up that need to be addressed as soon as possible.

He, furthermore, underscored the inclusion of women in economic and trade initiatives and requested ACCI’s Chairman to facilitate effective communications in this regard.

In conclusion, Mr. Dickson extended a formal invitation to Mr. Tawakal Ahmadyar to participate in the upcoming gathering organized in Doha and represent the Afghan Private Sector.

 

February 5th, 2024