The Afghan chapter of Goldman Sach’s 10,000 Women celebrated another milestone in May when over 60 women graduated from the business program.
In attendance were AmCham representatives from RM-Asia, DynCorp and Sayed Group who applauded the graduates’ success.
Graduation speaker FawziaKoofi, a Parliamentarian and women’s activist, spoke eloquently of the power of education to bring women into the business world.  “We need to be prepared so that women’s businesses can be connected to international markets,” she said.  “There has got to be change, and it has to be done in education.”
The Afghan 10,000 Women’s chapter seeks to bring women from the provinces to train them in business practices that can support budding female entrepreneurs in rural areas.   A large percentage of women who graduate from the program start businesses within a year, and an even larger number expands their business as a result of their participation
The program is supervised by the Thunderbird School of Global Management located in Glendale, Arizona.
“We are proud that the Thunderbird School and the 10,000 Women’s program are members of the AmCham/Af,” said Elspeth Smith, Executive Director.   “Our members also recognize that the future of the country lies in the economic development of all of its citizens.”

Jayne A. Howell, the Chief of the US Consulate, spoke to AmCham/Af members at a luncheon in June.  Calling her remarks, “Straight Talk about Visas,” Howell provided invaluable information and updates about the visa process that included hopeful news about multiple entry visas.
Howell emphasized that all visas can be processed in Kabul so that no one need travel to Islamabad to obtain a visa.  If there are pending cases in Islamabad, she said, the cases can be transferred to Kabul.
Howell also noted that the average time to schedule an appointment once the on-line application is submitted is approximately a week although the summer busy period may take a bit longer.  The Consulate, she said, issues 7,000 visas a year. 
In her ‘straight talk’ Howell was very clear about the importance of the interview.  “The most important thing is to clearly explain why you are going, what you are doing, and when you are coming back,” she said.  “”We base our decision on the conversation that takes place during the interview.”
She also noted that the time it takes to retrieve a visa after the interview is unique to Afghanistan. “You can count on sixty to ninety days average,” she said.  “The Consulate cannot control the time it takes for processing so apply as far in as advance as possible.” 
Accompanying Howelll was Alissa Redmond, the American Citizen Services Chief.  Redmond reminded the Americans that they can register at the Consulate to vote in US federal elections.   She also noted that her office provides emergency services to Americans who may find themselves in need of help to return to the U.S.
During the question/answer session, members learned that discussions are ongoing with GIRoA to achieve a reciprocity agreement.  Such an agreement prefiguresmultiple entry visas for Afghans travelling to the U.S.
The news struck a chord with members of AmCham/Af who are currently limited to single-entry visas.  “This would greatly improve the climate for investors,” said the CEO of MarcoPolo Logistics.  “We would welcome this development for all businesses in Afghanistan.”
Likewise, the Executive Advisor for Qasemi group expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the Consul.  “Meetings like this really can help and are useful,” he said.

On the occasion of AUAF’s first Career Fair for alumni and senior level students, the American Chamber of Commerce came out in full force. 
Led by Charter member RM-Asia and Trustee member Insurance Corporation of Afghanistan, three additional AmCham/Af members took part—Omran Holding Group, SEAF Afghan Financial, and the American University of Afghanistan which is an AmCham/Af Elite member.
When C. Michael Smith, the President of AUAF, welcomed participants to the AUAF career fair, he noted the auspiciousness of the occasion. 
“This is not just the first Career Fair for AUAF,” he said.  “This may be the first Career Fair in Afghanistan.”
The Fair allowed graduates and senior level students to meet representatives of corporations that are doing business in Afghanistan.  Although many students are seeking suitable jobs that can capitalize on the quality of their AUAF educations, others are interested in obtaining internships that will give them on-the-job experience that compliments their academic curriculum.
Irma Barrios, Human Resources and Administrative Manager of RMA, talked to highly qualified students and collected a stack of resumes that she said were impressive.  Omran Holding—whose Senior Business Development Manager is a recent graduate of AUAF—expressed similar satisfaction with the quality of potential hires.  ICA also met a number of potential employees with excellent qualifications.
Organizer of the event HabibAthaee, Asst. Director of Student Affairs at AUAF, was effusive in his praise for the corporate participants and the overall success of the event.  “Your willingness to support AUAF means a lot to us.  We will look forward to working with your organizations to strengthen the newly established professional relations between organizations.”
Even AmCham/Af companies that were not able to participate were able to capitalize on the synergy between the AmCham and the university.  “Thank you for sending the CVs of students”, said MowdoodPopal, CEO of Elite Construction, who requested resumes for positions that his company seeks to fill in the coming months.  “They all look very good and I am proud of the fact that AUAF is producing such students.”
The Student Affairs Office intends to hold regular Career Fairs on the campus.  For further information, contact HabibAthaeeat hathaee@auaf.edu.af.