8th US-Afghanistan Business Matchmaking Conference
December 4th , 2012
2012 was a year of challenges as well as major achievements for Afghanistan. The country went through important changes in terms of domestic developments and international relations. In this presentation I will discuss the most important changes since the 7th Afghan-US business matchmaking conference: 1.Domestic Developments 2.International Relations
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Introduction
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Domestic Improvements
Domestic Improvements
Domestic Improvements (1)
Afghanistan is preparing to join the WTO This year the government revised a series of laws to meet national requirements and WTO standards with regard to: • • • • • • • •
Civil Aviation Anti-Hoarding Land Management Domestic Products‘ Safety Measures Custom Mining Food safety Mineral and Hydrocarbon
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• The Legal Framework
Domestic Improvements (3)
During this year, the government of Afghanistan has drafted important policies to improve the business and investment environment.
• • • • •
Economic Policy Industrial Policy Trade Policy Mining Policy Agriculture Policy
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• The Policy Framework
Domestic Improvements (4)
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• National Priority Programs
Domestic Improvements (5)
In line with a recommendation and proposal from ACCI, the President of Afghanistan, in October 2012 decided to establish the ‘High Economic Council’ at the national level. The Council is led by the Presedent and it has 13 members that meet twice a month to discuss economic policy issues.
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• The High Ecomomic Council
Domestic Improvements (6)
• • • • • • • •
The Minister of Finance The Minister of Economy The Minister of Commerce and Industries The President of Centeral Bank The Senior Economic Advisor to the President The National Security Advisor to the President Three representatives from the Academic Fraternity, Four representatives from the Private Sector
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The council members include:
8
Domestic Improvements (7)
Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) is also implementing some important projects to improve the business invironment: • Establishment of the Afghan-Pak Chamber • Establishment of Research Unit • Revival of the TIR, • Standard Dispute Resolution and Arbitration, • Tender Distribution and Training Programs
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• ACCI development programs:
Regional Developments
There are major economic projects underway in Afghanistan and the region that will improve the business and investment invironment, including:
• • • •
The TAPI project, CASA 1000, RECCA, Istanbul Process,
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• Regional Improvements:
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International Relations
International Relations
Afghanistan has signed a series of Stratgic Agreements with the International and regional powers, including:
• • • • • • •
The USA NATO UK Germany France Italy China
• •
Australia India
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International Relations (1)
There were some major international conferences on Afghanistan in 2012, where the international partners of Afghanistan committed to support Afghanistan during the transition and transformation period:
• • • •
Chicago Conference Tokyo Conference Delhi Conference Turkey Conference
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International Relations (2)
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Thank You