The Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) presented the National Business Agenda for Afghanistan to government officials in a ceremony which was held in the Kabul Serena Hotel on 27 March. In his inaugural address the chief executive officer of ACCI, Mohammad Qurban Haqjo, highlighted that the business climate in Afghanistan remains one of the most difficult in the world.

In order to improve the environment for Afghan businesses he submitted the National Business Agenda to the second Vice President of Afghanistan, Karim Khalili, and the Minister of Commerce and Industries, Anwar ul-Haq Ahady.  The Agenda identifies laws and regulations in six areas which hinder business activities and thwarts economic growth.

Furthermore, the paper provides specific policy recommendations which should be taken by government to remedy those issues. In his speech Mr. Khalili promised that the government takes the recommendations into account. As Mr. Ahady, he pointed out that the regulatory environment for Afghan businesses should be strengthened to foster economic growth.

The National Business Agenda is the result of a partnership between ACCI and a coalition of eleven other Afghan business associations representing the entire economy of the country. In 2010 the Corporate Advisory Committee hosted five regional meetings throughout the country in order to involve local businesses in the formulation process. In Herat, Kandahar, Kabul, Nangarhar and Balkh more than 1.300 entrepreneurs attended to these conferences. During each meeting, participants were divided into sectoral committees reflecting the major commercial sectors prevalent in the particular region.

There business representatives discussed specific issues which negatively influence business activities and provided policy recommendations. In selecting the items listed in the final Agenda, the Advisory Committee took into account that all key sectors and regions of Afghanistan are represented.

The agenda embraces general problems like security threats, corruption and the lack of basic business practices in Afghanistan. Furthermore, it contains six specific areas, including tax and land reform,  lack of land and high rents for businesses, lack of competition and avoiding monopoly, burdensome laws and regulations, lack of infrastructure as well as sector specific problems.

Please Download the National Business Agenda for further information:

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