Boosting Afghan economic growth
On 29-30 June, the second of a series of meetings assessing the International Stabilization Force’s (ISAF) economic footprint in Afghanistan took place. This meeting on the “Economic Dimension of the Comprehensive Strategic Political-Military Plan for Achieving Enduring Progress in Afghanistan” was hosted by NATO’s Economic Committee.
Discussions focused on ways to stimulate Afghan economic growth and enhance the Afghan ownership of development, in accordance with the outcomes of the Strasbourg-Kehl Summit and The Hague international conference on Afghanistan. Ways to improve the contribution of Afghan natural resources and human capital in order to strengthen Afghan economic development were also examined, as well as potential changes in ISAF policy that would deepen and widen Afghan development.
Participants included representatives from ISAF-contributing countries, Afghanistan, Japan and representatives of the Afghan local business community, key international organizations, such as the United Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), World Bank (WB), European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), as well as key NGOs.
Ambassador Erdmann, Assistant Secretary General, Political Affairs and Security Policy Division, emphasized in his opening remarks the link between economic development and security and mentioned that “the enlarged format at this meeting underlines the importance we all attach to making best use of resources in strengthening the economic development in Afghanistan, improving the security environment and most importantly enhancing the lives of the Afghan people”.
The success of the meeting in bringing together international and local stakeholders highlighted NATO’s strong commitment in contributing to the practical implementation of the comprehensive approach and supporting Afghanistan’s long-term security and stability.
The principal message delivered during the meeting underscored the need for NATO and individual states to make a more effective use of their combined resources, in order to increase the positive economic impact of ISAF on Afghanistan.
The meeting concluded with a series of initial recommendations regarding strengthening the Afghan private sector through increasing local procurement, building Afghan capabilities for resources management and ensuring the alignment of reconstruction and development activities to Afghan local needs.
The initiative is supported by voluntary contributions made by three countries. Another meeting, focusing on phase 2, is planned for the Autumn.