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| June 14, 2004 |
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| Karzai and U.S. Officials Address Business Leaders |
WASHINGTON - June 14, 2004. Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai and top U.S. officials addressed business leaders today at a luncheon hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
President Karzai gave a moving speech about the vital importance of commerce in Afghanistan. He said that Afghanistan is modernizing through laws that work to provide a secure environment for investors. President Karzai stressed that there will be a huge market in Afghanistan for the transportation of cargo, packaging, and textiles. Since Afghanistan is interested in building "every aspect of material life", many business opportunities will emerge as the country embarks on the reconstruction of highways, building electricity and dams, and improving the irrigation system, he said. In seven years, the President hopes to increase the per capita income rate to $700. President Karzai said that Afghanistan is the business opportunity in the Middle East today.
USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios catalogued the reconstruction progress that has been made in the last six months: new irrigation projects, construction of highways, restored power, more children enrolled in schools, and support of a constitution. Natsios said that USAID's work in health, education, and agriculture is laying the groundwork for companies to do business in Afghanistan. He also noted that most Afghans see the United States as making a positive contribution to the development of their country.
Secretary of Commerce Donald Evans said that new banking investment laws are being created to encourage foreign investment and that 15,000 business licenses have been issued.
And Karen Hughes, Counselor to President Bush, presented President Karzai with a $5 million donation to fund a new initiative to increase women's participation in business.
Source: Equity International |
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