Expanding Exports, A Cornerstone for Developing Afghanistan s Economy

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Shavonne Owens
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1 Expanding Exports, A Cornerstone for Developing Afghanistan s Economy

2 - EPAA an Executive Arm of the Ministry of Commerce and Industries was established in September 2006 with financial and technical support of GTZ. EPAA acts as an implementing agency of the export promotion policies of MOCI, promoting exports through exportable offer development tools, advising and advocacy, marketing, coordinating both the public and private sector initiatives to create an enabling environment for competitive exports while contributing to job creation.

3 Obstacles to Exports/Exporters in Afghanistan - Red tape and bureaucracy caused by export documentation. - Non-tariff barriers i.e. fees and border taxes Technical Obstacles: - Design, packaging and quality control skills are lacking in Afghanistan - Lack of information on potential export markets - Access to export financing - Training and human resources development for trade promotion

4 Objectives: اداره انکشاف صادرات افغانستان - Streamlining the export procedures/process in Afghanistan - Exploring potential markets for Afghan products and link up Afghan exporters with foreign importers - Collect, analyze and disseminate trade related information - Coordinate activities with stakeholders and relevant organizations - Support exporters to participate in high impact trade fairs - Training small and medium sized enterprises in export readiness.

5 Focus Sectors: اداره انکشاف صادرات افغانستان - Carpets and Handicrafts - Natural Herbs and Medicinal Plants - Dry Fruits and Nuts - Fresh Fruits and Vegetables - Marble and Gemstones

6 Trade Fairs/Exhibitions: - 26 th India International Trade Fair, November The Big5 Exhibition, Dubai, December Atlanta AmericasMart Carpet Fair, January The First Afghanistan International Carpet Fair. August Marble Showcase Promotion Event in Dubai, September South Asian Commodity Fair, December, World of Floorings - Domotex Hannover, January Las Vegas Carpet Show, January February Seoul Cultural Festival, Korea - May New York International Carpet Show, September MINExpo, Las Vegas, September 2008

7 Important Activities: - EPAA successfully lobbied for 2% tax imposed on Exports to be waived. - Streamlining the export procedures/process - Continuous pressure/advocacy from EPAA to remove internal obstacles, the President of Afghanistan issued a Decree Municipalities and Ministry of Interior were instructed to stop collection of illegal fees on exports and Kabul Municipality was ordered to improve the condition of Kabul International Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Market. - EPAA in cooperation with partners organized trainings and informational seminars for exporters - Capacity Development Programs (EPAA Staff and Exporters)

8 Exports

9 بيلانس تجارت افغانستان Afghanistan Trade Balance Millions of Dollars Exports Imports Years

12 Activities Planned for 2007/2008: - Capacity Development - South Asian Commodity Fair, Dec 28-30, Domotex Hannover, January 12-15, Las Vegas Carpet Show, January 28 February 1, nd Afghanistan International Carpet Fair, Kabul Aug 26-28, 2008

13 Events and Activities Already Executed: - 26 th India International Trade Fair - The Big5 Exhibition, Dubai - Atlanta Americasmart Carpet Fair - Establishment of Afghanistan Marble and Granite Association - Supported Participation of Seven Private Sector entities in AgFair - Organized the First Afghanistan International Carpet Fair - Organized Marble Showcase Promotion event in Dubai

14 Cont'd... اداره انکشاف صادرات افغانستان - EPAA successfully lobbied for 2% tax imposed on Exports to be waived. - Continuous pressure from EPAA to remove internal obstacles, the First Vice President chaired two very important meetings Municipalities and Ministry of Interior were instructed to stop collecting illegal fees on exports and Kabul Municipality was ordered to improve the condition of Kabul International Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Market. - EPAA, ACCI and GTZ distributed straw mats to raisin producers in the North aimed to improve the quality of raisins. - EPAA has sent samples of dry fruits, nuts and herbs to Kuwait, India, Turkey, the Netherlands and China for marketing and testing.

17 Thank You

PPIAF Assistance in Afghanistan

August 2012 PPIAF Assistance in Afghanistan Emerging from a decade of war, massive support from various development partners has been pouring in over the last few years to help rebuild Afghanistan. PPIAF