Statement of New Delhi Conference on investment in Afghanistan

Over 350 representatives from Afghanistan, India and the regional countries and other countries had gathered in New Delhi along with senior policy makers to create a design for investment opportunities of the international community in Afghanistan. 

The Ministry of Commerce and Industries of Afghanistan and the Confederation of Trade of India, with participation of Afghan and Indian governments organized the gathering on the 28th of June (8th of Saratan 1391) at the Qasri Taaj Mehal Hotel of New Delhi with the aim to upgrade the level of foreign investments and joint partnerships for guaranteeing the private economic sectors of Afghanistan. 

Only the balance of investments in mineral and hydro-carbon in Afghanistan is anticipated at 1 to 3 trillion US dollars. 

Moreover the transport infrastructure and energy of the country and the laws related to the non-harmful activities of environment is attracting the partnerships as well. 

Meanwhile, in the past decade, sustainable investments in respect to growing educated population in Afghanistan and also the supporting laws of trade, have caused growing production in the export areas including agriculture, (for instance, dry fruits with world quality, grapes, raisins, almonds, saffron and pomegranates), financial services, information technology, small and middle industries (for instance, shawl, carpets, marble, steel, and construction materials. 

It is said that these together have caused 10% annual growth in the past one decade. 

Despite the exiting sustainable security challenges, governance and infrastructure, the senior Afghan ministers and the representatives of the international community through practical reforms, the reduction of disaster strategy will prove that the return of the international investment will become possible. 

It is said that the doors of Afghanistan is open for trade and presently the companies and individuals are making immense benefits of the new opportunities in Afghanistan and this is possible that there will grow further. 

The New Delhi gathering in respect to investment in Afghanistan, with the presence of senior trade representatives having deep economic experience in Afghanistan and the authorities of the World Bank and ministers of trade, finance, mines, communications and public health of Afghanistan and other participants have emphasized on four basic objectives for carrying of trade in Afghanistan as the Asian linking points. 

The Afghans are considered the most strong and most flexible people. 

The immense mineral resources of the country including water and natural gas are accessible and beneficial. 

In last May in Chicago and in the coming in Month in Tokyo, the international community shall renew its sustainable support to Afghanistan including support to foreign investments. 

Through this, the SARRC and CAREC and other regional organizations are in economic support with Afghanistan. A composition of public and private investments, from railway and gas pipeline to the land ports and the possibility of reserving of materials, can open the way for Afghanistan to emerge as a center of transit in the heart of Asia. 

A look into the Tokyo conference in respect to Afghanistan that will be held at a senior level on 8 of July and the New Delhi gathering in respect to investment in Afghanistan, can compile the key trade proposals can bring about the investment opportunities at the private sectors within the practical framework under the operational plan of Afghanistan for private investment (AAPPI). 

At this gathering focus will be made on motives of investments and upgrading the joint chambers of commerce.(BNA)