Secretary's Speech

U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez Remarks at the George Washington University
Washington, D.C.

Thank you, President Trachtenberg for that kind introduction, and for hosting us here at George Washington University.

President Karzai, thank you for visiting the United States, and for coming here to Washington.

I am a great admirer of all you have accomplished for your people, both before you became President and since becoming the leader of a great and proud nation.

As President Bush said this morning, you've got a tough job. But you are truly a man of great strength and character. And we are proud to call you ally and friend.

Aspirations of the Afghan People
You have devoted yourself to the noble task of rebuilding Afghanistan so that your people can live peaceful, prosperous lives.

Under the Taliban, a normal life was next to impossible. Having enough to eat, raising children in safety and security, getting a good education, having the right to vote and choose leaders, exercising women's rights--all these basic human, democratic rights were denied the Afghani people.

Yet, all people aspire to have these rights.

And with the help of wise leaders like you, and with friends who are committed to your success, the desires of the Afghan people are becoming a reality.

There is no doubt that there are challenges, and there have been setbacks.

Still, much progress has been made. And that gives us hope.

Creating the Foundations for Success: Political Reform
The foundation of any successful country rests on creating a civil society based on the will of the people, and providing the infrastructure for an economy to grow. Afghanistan has made great strides on both.

• A new constitution, and presidential and legislative elections last year are important achievements.
• Local elections are another positive step forward.
• And creation of an impartial, respected court system gives confidence that Afghanistan is becoming a nation ruled by laws, not by the force of arms.

Creating the Foundations for Success: Infrastructure
Afghanistan is as big as Texas and more rugged than West Virginia or even the Rocky Mountains.

Still, Afghanistan has made real progress in developing its infrastructure and providing for its people:

• The amount of paved roads has gone from just 50 km in 2001 to 1,500 km--a 30-fold increase.
• Today, according to news reports, there are some 400,000 cars and taxis driving on those roads, up from fewer that 1,000 under the Taliban.

We're also seeing gains in foreign investment. Last year, foreign investment rose 35 percent to over $400 million. That may be a modest sum by global standards, but it is significant to the Afghan people and to future economic development.

Social Front

• Afghans are healthier than ever before: 80 percent now have access to healthcare--10 times more than in 2001.
• And Afghans are better able to feed themselves: cereal and wheat production is up 40 percent since 2004.

No one in Afghanistan takes these things for granted. They all represent progress--modernity and stability.

All of this activity is putting Afghans to work. It allows communities to flourish and businesses to grow.

The United States is committed to Afghanistan's long-term success. It is a commitment that goes beyond partisanship and beyond politics.

Those of you who want to strengthen the Afghan economy by doing business, or want to help us enhance the economic relationship should know that the United States is your long-term partner. We are dedicated to Afghanistan's success.

Commerce Department Commitment
When I last visited with you on my trip to Afghanistan in February, I was impressed by your commitment to a strong market economy.

On behalf of the Administration, I promised you we would take concrete steps to help lift Afghan exports.

For centuries, Afghanistan has been famous for the quality of rugs and textiles, for your delicious and savory fruits and nuts, and for your wonderful, rich marble.

These three key export markets seemed like a good place to start our efforts through the Afghanistan Investment and Reconstruction Task Force at the Commerce Department.

Already we are seeing results:

• For example, the task force arranged for an Afghan rug delegation to attend a trade show in Atlanta in July. And Afghan rugs will be a major feature of another important rug show in January.
• We're also looking into trade missions to and from Afghanistan to develop all three sectors (rugs, marble, fruits and nuts).
• And we're providing assistance that expands Afghanistan's capacity to trade in global markets.

And there is great potential down the road.

• Afghan exports of fruits and nuts were $113 million last year. But this could increase to over $800 million in 10 years with the proper amount of investment, according to a study done by U.S.-AID.
• In addition, marble exports now under $1 million could grow to a $450 million export industry, the study found.

So far this year our imports from Afghanistan are up over 200 percent from a year ago. And we're just getting started! Afghan exports mean Afghan jobs.

Commerce Department also:

• Facilitates private sector partnerships with Afghan entrepreneurs;
• Supports other Afghan missions attending trade shows and related events in the U.S. ; and
• Provides training for those that work in the public and private sector in Afghanistan so they can do their work better.

Closing
Mr. President, I am personally committed to Afghanistan's successful economic transformation.

The desire of your people for peace, and their commitment to stability after so many years of strife, is truly inspiring.

With your help and with the partnership of the Afghan people I know we can succeed together.

Thank you.

Salaam Alaikum! [Peace be upon you.]