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Message from the President

Afghanistan has come along way since what it was under the Taliban only a few years ago. We now have a fully democratic government, an elected parliament, increased security and political stability, an emerging vibrant civil society, a supportive international community, greater access to regional and international markets, improving physical infrastructure, and most importantly a constitution that is not only one of the most liberal in the Muslim World but also one that commits the State to the promotion of market economy.

The highlight of the government’s overall economic and development policies is the centrality of private sector in the new Afghan economy. The private sector is recognized as “the principal engine of sustainable economic growth and development and the instrument of social inclusion through creation of opportunity”.

Afghanistan is therefore open for business and private domestic and foreign investment and there are plenty of attractive opportunities. Afghanistan is rich in natural resources, including coal, copper and iron and most likely oil and gas. Since all the neighboring countries surrounding Afghanistan are awash with the latter resources, there is no reason that unexplored Afghanistan is not endowed with the same.

Afghanistan also has a strong agricultural sector which currently makes up about half of Afghanistan’s national income and employs closer to 70% of Afghanistan’s labor force. Before the war Afghanistan was the largest exporter of dried fruits and nuts in the region. Ago-processing light industry, therefore, has a great future here.

Large scale construction is underway throughout the country, reaching to billions of dollars - investment in cement and textiles, therefore, looks particularly promising. Currently, our exports reach to some $5 billion dollars against about $450 million of import. About half of our imports, such as cooking oil, soft drinks, processed food, construction materials, etc., could easily and profitability be produced inside the country.

Consequently, international investment today makes solid business sense in Afghanistan. More importantly, it will contribute to the prosperity and therefore long-term stability of Afghanistan – a goal that not only Afghans but a majority of the international community aspires.

As an agency that is mandated to attract, protect and support private investors in Afghanistan, AISA is at the investors’ service. Our coordinates are provided on this website. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any investment related assistance and advice in Afghanistan.

Omar Zakhilwal, PhD
AISA President & CEO