Individual Background Materials

Access to Energy
English, Dari (PDF)

Rural SMEs
English, Dari (PDF)

Unleashing Entrepreneurship
English, Dari (PDF)

Legal Framework and Sector Sustainability
English (PDF)

Round Table Consultations

A series of roundtable consultations were held across Afghanistan and overseas with the Afghan private sector and diaspora communities. They were organised by the Aga Khan Development Network and the Afghanistan Investment Support Agency (AISA). There were six events held in Kabul, Jalalabad, Herat and Mazar e-Shariff (small- and medium-sized enterprises); with the Foundation for Culture and Civil Society (domestic civil society organisations); with the Government of Afghanistan (Afghan businesses in Kabul); and with the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Afghan Diaspora in Toronto and Hamburg).

Summary of Discussions

The Enabling Environment Conference brought together leaders and decision-makers from the Afghan Government and National Assembly, the international community, Afghan and international private for-profit businesses and non-profit civil society, development agencies and subject experts. With participation exceeding 300, it succeeded in providing a forum for open discussion and creative problem-solving, drawing on Afghan and relevant regional and international experiences. The "Summary of Discussions" provides the highlights of speeches, discussions and roundtables held over the two days of the conference.

Conference Statement and Road Map

The Conference on the Enabling Environment for Effective Private Sector Contribution to Development in Afghanistan took place in Kabul on the 4th and 5th of June, 2007. It focused on creating the conditions necessary to significantly increase the contribution of the private sector - defined as both for-profit business and not-for profit civil society - to social, economic, and cultural development in Afghanistan’s urban and rural areas. At the conclusion of the conference, parties agreed to the conference statement, which includes a series of recommendations, and a roadmap for actions ranging from legal and fiscal frameworks to human resources and public-private partnerships.

A Policy for Private Sector Growth and Development

Paper by the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS)

"The Government’s primary goal in encouraging the accelerated growth and development of the private sector is to substantially increase employment and to raise incomes, especially of the poor."

Media Resources and Online Press Kit

The creation of an enabling environment is expected to move Afghanistan from a climate of fragility to one of confidence in the future, leading to economic development and job creation, social progress and improved quality of life of the Afghan people and a vibrant and engaged civil society.

Press Release - 6 June 2007
Press Release - 4 June 2007
Photos of 4 June 2007
Media Advisory - 1 June 2007 (PDF)
Conference Overview Document (PDF)

Videos
Afghanistan
Africa
Bangladesh
Vietnam

Speech Transcripts
His Highness the Aga Khan: English and Dari (PDF)
Prince Amyn Aga Khan: English and Dari (PDF)
Prime Minister Badawi: English and Dari (PDF)
Prime Minister Aziz: English and Dari (PDF)
Praful Patel, The World Bank: English and Dari (PDF)
H.E. Doctor Mohammad Jalil Shams: English
Vice President Massoud: English and Dari (PDF)

More Information about the Sponsors and Partners
Government of Afghanistan
The Aga Khan Development Network
The World Bank Media Briefing Centre
UNDP Newsroom
ADB News and Events