US to support post-peace Afghanistan via trade: AACC

Monitoring Desk

KABUL: The Afghan-American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) chief Hon Don Ritter on Tuesday said his country would support Afghanistan in areas of trade and investment once peace is established in the country.

Ritter expressed these views during a meeting aimed at making preparations for the 14th Afghanistna-US Trade Connectivity Conference scheduled for April 30 in Washington.

The AACC CEO said the purpose of the conference would be to increase trade between the US and Afghanistan and to encourage US investors to invest in Afghanistan.

“We are here today to increase our trade linkages, we see a positive future for Afghanistan and we are sure that peace would return to Afghanistan which would pave the way for trade opportunities and investment.”

Referring to ‘greater’ chances of peace in Afghanistan, he said: “We are here to assure you that the US would support Afghanistan in the post-reconciliation period through trade and investment. We want an active private sector in Afghanistan and help Afghanistan’s economy through huge investment.”

He said US investors had been awaiting a swift establishment of peace in Afghanistan so they could invest in different projects as investment in instability was not possible.

He said currently the US was investing in Afghanistan’s telecommunications and fiber optic projects and the amount of investment in telecommunication might reach $100 million.

Jeffery Grico, a member of the AACC, said: “We are here today to meet Afghan investors and promote mutual trade through dialogue.”

He said traders from both countries would exchange views on investment opportunities in both countries during their meetings.

Atiqullah Nasrat, senior official of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI), said there was great opportunity of investment in Afghanistan’s mining, energy, technology, agriculture, transport and other areas.

He asked US investors to come and invest in these areas.

He did not share figures regarding ongoing trade between the two countries but said trade figures between the two countries were not good.

Hopes for investment and reconciliation raised after the US launched efforts to end the 18-year old war in Afghanistan.

The fifth round of talks between the US and the Taliban is underway in Doha, the capital of Qatar. (Pajhwok)