Afghan incentive for investorsThe government of Afghanistan on Sunday announced a new package of incentives in a bid to attract foreign investment in the country as the NATO-led coalition security forces are preparing to withdraw it’s combat troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2014.

The policies announced by the government of Afghanistan will remain in place for at least two and half years to encourage foreign and local investment in order to sink money into the economy of the country.

The step by the Afghan government also comes amid growing fears that the international aid money could dry up as the international community is winding down it’s operations in Afghanistan.

Afghan finance minister Hazrat Omer Zakhilwal who announced the package on Sunday said, “The goal of this policy is to support investment in different sectors, especially in industry, construction, agriculture and mining.”

Mr. Zakhilwal further added that the new policies is aimed at attracting investors both from inside and outside the country and prevent investments from leaving the country.

The package of incentives includes provision of land at almost no cost to industrialists, factory owners will be exexpted from tax for at least seven years and the farmers will receive low-interest loans for almost ten years.

Besides the foreing investors will receive one0year multiple entry visas, with an hope to attract millions of dollars in investment over the coming years that leave a positive impact on the economy of the country.

The decision by Afghan government is taken amid growing movement of investments out of the country by wealthy Afghans due to security concerns and there are fears that more investors will leave the country as NATO ends it’s mission in Afghanistan.

Currently the economy of Afghanistan is heavily dependent on foreign donors despite a huge growth in domestic businesses since the 2001 US-led invasion.

Author


  • Ahmad Shah Ghani Zada is the former Senior Editor of Khaama Press Agency who managed and overlooked the English edition. He is occasionally contributing stories to the agency.