KABUL (Pajhwok): Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) officials have urged investors to transfer their industries and capital to Afghanistan and contribute to their country’s reconstruction.
They announced that, besides exemptions from employee taxes, other taxes for investors have been waived, and two-year visas are now being issued to foreign technical staff.
The conference, titled “Call for Investment in Afghanistan,” was organized by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) in Kabul. It was attended by high-ranking officials of the caretaker government, ambassadors of foreign countries, representatives of international organizations, national businessmen, investors, and representatives of the private sector.
Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar told the participants that the caretaker government had taken significant steps to promote the country's economic growth, create new job opportunities, support the private sector, and facilitate trade and transit.
He explained that, based on Decrees No. 3 and No. 7 issued by the leadership of the Islamic Emirate, the Law on Industrial Zones and the procedure for granting privileges and facilitating to returning industrialists and businessmen have been approved.
Baradar added primary objectives of the Industrial Zones Law were to enhance Afghanistan's economy through the regulation of industrial zones and to provide a conducive environment for private investment.
He added that, according to the approved procedure for returning industrialists and businessmen, all industrialists and businessmen are exempted from taxes, except for employee taxes, for five years. Additionally, customs duties on all imported machinery and equipment have been waived.
The deputy premier also noted that, upon their request, two-year visas are being issued to foreign technical staff and engineers.
He emphasized that the Islamic Emirate aims to encourage Afghan industrialists and investors, both inside and outside the country, to invest in Afghanistan. This will help develop the industry, create employment opportunities for citizens, and increase domestic production.
Mullah Baradar also stated that, to support domestic products, customs duties on imported items produced locally and meet the needs of citizens have been increased. Moreover, all governmental institutions have been instructed to prioritize domestic products and goods during procurement.
He highlighted the establishment of a support fund for the private sector, which has achieved significant results in various areas.
Baradar called on Afghan industrialists and investors, both inside and outside the country, to bring their industries and investments to Afghanistan and fulfill their responsibility towards the country's development.
He assured them that the IEA was committed to providing all possible facilities.
During the conference, Acting Minister of Economy Qari Din Mohammad Hanif also urged Afghan businessmen to stand with the Islamic Emirate. He said: “We have natural resources, security has been ensured, we have capital and a skilled workforce, and we must utilize these advantages.”
Khan Jan Alokozai, Deputy Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, also pledged support for the Islamic Emirate during the conference.
He encouraged Afghan investors abroad to return to their homeland and invest here.
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