Nangarhar Chamber Leadership Participates in UNAMA-led Dialogue on Strengthening Private Sector Economic Engagement

 

The leadership delegation of the Nangarhar Chamber of Commerce and Investment participated in a meeting organized by UNAMA under the theme “Strengthening Economic Dialogue of the Private Sector.”

The meeting was attended by Haji Rais Iqbal, Financial Deputy of the Nangarhar Chamber, Mr. Haji Gul Murad Arab, Dr. Mukhlis Ahmad, Shakirullah Sapi, Acting Head of the Executive Board, Ms. Karen, Head of the UNAMA Eastern Regional Office, officials from the Kunar and Laghman Chambers of Commerce and Investment, several private sector members, and government officials.

Mr. Haji Gul Murad Arab thanked UNAMA for continuously organizing such meetings aimed at strengthening the private sector and appreciated its coordination with the international community regarding the sector’s challenges and concerns. However, he also noted that despite these issues being documented, no practical steps have been taken to resolve many of them.

He emphasized the need to revise the transportation fare regulations, open the Wagah border for Afghan exports, address traders’ concerns about increased fruit and vegetable production in Pakistan, and solve issues related to the transit of commercial goods. He also pointed out delays in issuing business visas as a serious problem.

He added that both at the provincial and central levels, concrete steps have been taken to empower the private sector in the eastern region, which has led to achievements in several areas.

Dr. Mukhlis Ahmad, in his remarks, called for the renewal of the APTTA agreement, activation of the Chabahar Port, lifting of international sanctions, provision of banking facilities for traders, construction of cold storage facilities to strengthen exports, establishment of an economic council in Nangarhar, prioritization of developmental projects over humanitarian aid, and reform of some trade laws, among several other proposals and demands.

The session also evaluated the economic situation of Nangarhar, Kunar, Laghman, and Nuristan, available opportunities, government engagement and support for the private sector, and UNAMA’s national role.