U.S. Department of State

The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) recognizes that the development of a vibrant private sector is crucial to the reconstruction of an economy ravaged by decades of conflict and mismanagement. GIRoA has taken concrete steps toward fostering a business-friendly environment for both domestic and foreign investment. Security threats limit investors' opportunities to develop businesses in some provinces, and certain sectors (such as mining and hydrocarbons) still lack a regulatory environment that fully supports investment. Domestic and foreign investors also rank endemic corruption high on the list of impediments. Despite these challenges, Afghanistan's investment climate presents opportunities in all sectors of the economy. The following chart summarizes well-regarded indexes and rankings (MCC refers to the Millennium Challenge Corporation):

Measure	Year	Index or Rank
TI Corruption Index	2011	180/182 (Tied)
Heritage Economic Freedom	2011	N/A (not ranked)
World Bank Doing Business	2012	160/183
MCC Gov't Effectiveness	2012	-0.61(14%)
MCC Rule of Law	2012	-0.97 (2%)
MCC Control of Corruption	2012	-0.84 (3%)
MCC Fiscal Policy	2012	-1.6 (72%)
MCC Trade Policy	2012	69.1 N/A
MCC Regulatory Quality	2012	-0.83 (12%)
MCC Business Start Up	2012	0.972 (82%)
MCC Land Rights Access	2012	0.490 (11%)
MCC Natural Resource Mgmt	2012	3.5 (10%)

OPENNESS TO FOREIGN INVESTMENT

Official support for open markets and private sector participation is stated in the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS), which President Karzai and the international donor community endorsed in June 2008. The Afghan Constitution and the 2005 Law on Private Investment specifically prohibit discrimination against foreign investors. According to the Afghan Investment Support Agency (AISA), a quasi-government agency under the Ministry of Commerce that operates a streamlined business registration process ("one-stop shop") and conducts a host of business and investment promotion and facilitation activities, discussions are underway to improve regulations under the law. These recommendations will be submitted to the Parliament and the President for promulgation once completed.

Investment in certain sectors, such as non-banking financial activities, insurance, natural resources, and infrastructure (defined to include power, water, sewage, waste-treatment, airports, telecommunications, and health and education facilities) is subject to special consideration by the High Commission on Investment (HCI), in consultation with relevant government ministries. The HCI is GIRoA’s focal point for investment policy-making and is composed of the Ministers of Commerce, Agriculture, Foreign Affairs, Finance, AISA, and Da Afghanistan (Central) Bank. Investments can be 100 percent foreign-owned and foreigners are not required to secure an Afghan partner. However, the Afghan Constitution and the Private Investment Law prohibit foreign ownership of land, which compels most foreign firms to work with an Afghan partner. Foreigners may lease land for periods up to 50 years for arable land or longer for non-arable land. Some leases have been negotiated with an automatic renewal clause for terms of up to 99 years. Many businesses cite access to land as one of the greatest impediments to investment in Afghanistan. Private investors have the right to transfer their capital and profits out of Afghanistan, including for debt service for off-shore loans.

GIRoA has adopted economic reform programs, which rely heavily on foreign experts who base their initiatives on international best practices. GIRoA has also adopted progressive policies to foster trade and investment, including currency reform, rationalized customs tariffs, and a simplified tax code. It has also set up structures to help promote investment and investment-friendly policies.

Important commercial laws currently in effect cover partnerships, corporations and limited liability companies, competition, arbitration, mediation, copyrights, trademarks, and patents. Laws modernizing legislation on trademarks, transportation, the Chamber of Commerce and competition have also been passed by Parliament and approved by the President. In March 2011, the President signed the newest Telecommunications Law, replacing the previous law enacted by decree. A related Information Communication Technology Law was submitted to Parliament and is expected to be approved in mid-2012, which will lay the groundwork for a new industry in electronic commerce and cyber security. Parliament also passed a Labor Law in 2008, but it does not meet International Labor Organization (ILO) standards. An anti-hoarding law, commercial agency law, and a contract Law are also under consideration. Accounting and standards regimes have yet to be set up. The primary challenges with the new laws and pending legislation and regulations will be their implementation and enforcement.

The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) advocates for the establishment of a legal framework for private business in Afghanistan, engages with senior-level GIRoA officials, and provides an array of services to members, such as providing sector analysis and economic and trade statistical data. ACCI became a private chamber of commerce in 2008. Since then, ACCI has elected its leadership, endorsed the 2005 Private Investment Law, and established offices in 21 provinces of Afghanistan. ACCI works with Parliament, the Office of the President, and the Ministries of Finance, Commerce, Interior, Transport, Justice (among others) to bring about reform and encourage investment in Afghanistan. ACCI also has affiliations and partnership agreements with investors, business and trade associations in the United States, Tajikistan, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, China, Germany, Turkey, India, Croatia, Czech Republic, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, and many other countries.

Afghanistan's legal system is only just beginning to be rebuilt. Much of the framework necessary for encouraging and protecting private investment is not yet in place, and the existence of three overlapping systems (the Sharia-Islamic Law, the Shura-traditional law and practice, and the formal legal system instituted under the 2004 Constitution) can be confusing to both investors and legal professionals.

Although most senior Afghan government officials express strong commitment to a market economy and foreign investment, many businesses maintain that this attitude is not always reflected in practice. Many government officials -- some of whom demand bribes, levy unofficial taxes, and inflict bureaucratic delays -- are out of step with official government policy. Commercial regulatory bodies are often understaffed.

While not sanctioned by law or official policy, small groups of businessmen, many of whom are alleged to have connections with current or former warlords and militias, dominate the trading market in many areas. These individuals, because of their wealth and insider access to land, credit and contacts, and their ability to manipulate prices, enjoy excessive advantages that result in a non-competitive environment in some fields, notably gem-mining, fuel transport, and construction. In addition, some industries, including money changing and carpet production, have well-organized guilds which protect existing firms and create barriers to entry.

The World Bank’s 2012 Doing Business Report ranks Afghanistan at 160th out of 183 economies for the ease of doing business overall. This ranking reflects the reality that the legal, regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms are in a nascent stage. USAID launched a “Doing Business Indicators (DBI) Project in January 2011 to focus on improving the business-enabling environment in Afghanistan. Minister of Commerce and Industries (MOCI) leads the initiative. Under the initiative, five working groups were created to study and make recommendations for improving Afghanistan’s rating on the following selected World Bank index indicators: 1) Starting a business; 2) Registering property; 3) Protecting investors; 4) Trading across borders; and 5) Closing a business. USAID provided key recommendations for reform on five indicators and the reform activities were transitioned to MOCI’s leadership. One of the major contributions of the working groups was raising awareness among GIRoA and the private sector regarding the provision of accurate feedback for the 2012 Doing Business in Afghanistan Report.

On October 1, 2011, USAID signed a partnership with the World Bank/International Finance Corporation to improve business climate in Afghanistan. The project initiated with a comprehensive assessment of status of the Doing Business in Afghanistan Report in mid-September 2011. The recommendation memo is expected to be rolled out during the second half of January 2012. The next step will be the implementation of the recommendations, improve the nine regulatory areas that impact all nine indicators of the Doing Business in Afghanistan Report, and build the capacity of MOCI’s Private Sector Development Director and representatives of the private sector to lead the process.

CONVERSION AND TRANSFER POLICIES

There are no restrictions on converting, remitting or transferring funds associated with investment, such as dividends, return on capital, interest and principal on private foreign debt, lease payments, and royalties and management fees, into a freely usable currency and at a legal market clearing rate. The Private Investment Law states that an investor may freely transfer investment dividends or proceeds from the sale of an approved enterprise abroad. Afghanistan does not maintain a dual exchange rate policy, currency controls, capital controls, or any other restrictions on the free flow of funds abroad. Access to foreign exchange for investment is not restricted by any law or regulation.

In practice, however, particularly in the provinces, many banks may not have the capacity to deal with foreign exchange. The large, informal foreign exchange markets in major cities and provinces such as Kabul, Mazar-e Sharif, Jalalabad, Kandahar, and Herat, where U.S. dollars, British pounds, and euros are readily available, are slowly starting to become formal markets. As of October 2010, Da Afghanistan Bank had issued 209 licenses for money service providers (MSPs) and 271 licenses for money exchange dealers in Kabul, all commonly referred to as hawaladars. It has licensed 88 MSPs and 396 money exchange dealers in the provinces. Despite these licensed service providers and exchange dealers, there are thousands of unlicensed money changers that continue to practice their trade. Non-official money service providers often cite the lack of enforcement in the currency exchange area and the resulting competitive disadvantage to licensed exchangers as a reason not to get MSP licenses. U.S. investors should only use licensed hawaladar money service providers, who are listed on the website of Da Afghanistan Bank. The only requirements placed on the outflow of funds are to prevent money laundering (and the financing of terrorism). The transport of more than AFS 1,000,000 or equivalent in cash across the border of Afghanistan into another country must be reported in advance to Afghan Customs.

EXPROPRIATION AND COMPENSATION

The Private Investment Law states, "The State can expropriate an investment or assets only for the purposes of public interest and on a non-discriminatory basis." It further states that the "State shall provide prompt, adequate and effective compensation in conformity with the principles of international law, equivalent to the fair market value." The State may confiscate private property in order to settle bad commercial debts. The law allows a majority investor to challenge the expropriation, but this right does not extend to minority shareholders. There have been no reports of State expropriation of foreign assets, "creeping" or otherwise.

DISPUTE SETTLEMENT

While a commercial court system exists, the lack of a law on commercial agency is a significant impediment to the arbitration of commercial matters. In addition, there is a shortage of qualified legal practitioners, and corruption in the judicial system is endemic. The enactment of the Arbitration and Mediation Laws in 2007 established the foundation for an alternative dispute settlement system. Afghanistan is a party to the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes Between States and Nationals of Other States and the New York Convention of 1958 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards. The Private Investment Law provides for dispute resolution under these mechanisms, under United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) rules, or under any mechanism that the investor has specified in a contract with another investor. The international donor community is supporting the development of an Afghanistan Center for Dispute Resolution.

Under these conditions, the legal system plays a limited role in adjudicating commercial disputes and most businesses use informal mechanisms to resolve disputes and enforce property rights. AISA, for example, has some capability to assist investors in the mediation of certain disputes. Investment disputes are common in the areas of land titling and contracts. The lack of a comprehensive land titling database means that several individuals may hold deeds to the same property. Real estate agents are not reliable. Those foreign investors seeking to work with Afghan citizens to purchase property are advised to conduct extensive and painstaking due diligence.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS AND INCENTIVES

Afghanistan has no formal regulations or laws governing performance requirements. There are no separate investment incentives or special treatment accorded to foreign investors. There are no government-imposed conditions on investment, beyond the procedures required for establishing or acquiring a business. GIRoA does not impose offset requirements on its procurements. GIRoA does not apply discriminatory or excessively onerous visa, residence or work permit requirements for foreigners, but bureaucratic processing of visas can be time-consuming and there have been reports of bribes being solicited for faster processing. There are no discriminatory or preferential export and import policies affecting foreign investors. As noted above, the HCI may choose to apply terms that are different from those generally applied to investments for certain restricted sectors.

RIGHT TO PRIVATE OWNERSHIP AND ESTABLISHMENT

Under the Private Investment Law, foreign and domestic private entities have equal standing and may establish and own business enterprises, engage in all forms of remunerative activity and freely acquire and dispose of interests in business enterprises.

PROTECTION OF PROPERTY RIGHTS

Property rights protection is weak due to a lack of cadastres or a comprehensive land titling database, disputed land titles, incapacity of commercial courts, and widespread corruption. The acquisition of a clear land title to purchase real estate or a registered leasehold interest is complicated and cumbersome. The World Bank estimated in its 2012 "Doing Business Report" that it takes an average of 250 days and entails legal fees of five percent of property value to register property. According to Da Afghanistan Bank and ACCI, there is no law in force that deals specifically with bankruptcy, although the subject is discussed in some of the articles of the Banking Law. The Corporation Limited Company Law, Mediation Law and Partnership Law also discuss bankruptcy. The Law on Mortgage and Secured Transactions was approved by Parliament and signed by the President in 2009.

While Afghanistan has laws on patents and copyright, they are not compliant with World Trade Organization (WTO) standards and are in the process of being amended. A draft Law on Trademarks is also being amended to conform with WTO standards. Afghanistan is not a member of the WTO Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement or the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Internet Treaties. There is not serious enforcement of intellectual property rights and pirated DVDs and software are sold throughout the country. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals and building materials are also widespread.

TRANSPARENCY OF THE REGULATORY SYSTEM

In general, the Afghan government promotes transparent policies and effective laws to foster competition, establish "clear rules of the game" and promote, rather than hinder, foreign investment. The inadequacy of the regulatory system, and corruption at every level of government create larger obstacles to investors than the transparency of the regulations. Procedures for obtaining a business license were streamlined in 2003 with the establishment of AISA, which serves as a "one-stop shop" for investors, and has greatly facilitated the process of establishing a business. Afghanistan ranks 30th out of 183 economies in the ease of starting a business, according to the World Bank's 2012 "Doing Business Report." There are no informal regulatory processes managed by non-governmental organizations or private sector associations. Parliament must approve all legislation, except that, when Parliament is in recess, the President can issue decrees that have the force of law. However, in these cases, Parliament has the right to review and amend the decrees.

EFFICIENT CAPITAL MARKETS AND PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT

Finance is Afghanistan's second largest service industry (behind telecommunications) and an important driver of private investment and economic growth. The sector has grown rapidly since the end of Taliban rule. Today, 17 commercial banks operate in Afghanistan, with total assets of $4.1 billion (compared to assets of less than $300 million in 2004). There are three state banks, Bank-e Milli (National Bank), Pashtani Bank, and the recently-acquired New Kabul Bank. There are also branch offices of foreign banks: Alfalah Bank (Pakistan), National Bank of Pakistan, Standard Chartered Bank (UK), Brac Bank (Bangladesh), and Aryan Bank (Iran). However, most Afghans remain "unbanked," with only five percent currently holding deposits. In addition, many Afghans continue to rely on money service providers (or hawalas) to access finance and transfer money because of the unfamiliarity with a functioning banking system and limited access to banks in rural areas. Three of the four mobile network operators – Etisalat, MTN, and Roshan – offer money mobile services. Banking remains highly centralized, with more than 75% of total loans made in Kabul Province. Bank lending is also undermined by a deficient legal and regulatory infrastructure that impedes the enforcement of property rights and development of collateral, leading banks to concentrate on short-term trade credit to well-known customers. The difficulty of accessing credit through banks and other formal financial institutions makes existing firms dependent on family funds and retained earnings, limits opportunities for entrepreneurialism, and reinforces dependence on the informal credit market.

The exposure of massive fraud in the country’s largest bank, Kabul Bank, in 2010 laid bare the underlying weaknesses in banking regulation and supervision. Despite receiving significant technical assistance, Da Afghanistan Bank has been unable to match the pace of the banking sector’s growth with requisite improvements in monitoring and supervision. These weaknesses have been compounded by a lack of political will in the Afghan government more broadly to enforce laws against well-connected wrongdoers in the financial sector. Credit to the private sector stands at less than ten percent of GDP, significantly lower than other countries in the region. Afghanistan ranks 150th out of 183 countries for ease of obtaining credit in the World Bank's 2012 "Doing Business Report." Most Afghan entrepreneurs complain that the interest rate for a commercial loan from a local bank ranges from 15-20 percent. In response to this situation, investment funds, leasing, micro-financing, and SME-financing companies have entered the market; however, despite strong donor support for many of their activities, these firms have been handicapped by difficulties in securing repayment and other factors that impede bank lending.

COMPETITION FROM STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES

In principle, government policies and regulations apply the standard of competitive equality to private enterprises in competition with public enterprises with respect to access to markets, credit and other business operations. However, in some instances, working-level government officials have exhibited anti-competitive and protectionist bias in some sectors in which state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are active. Under Presidential Decree No. 103 (2005), the Ministry of Finance has sole responsibility for assessing the economic viability of State-owned enterprises (SOEs). Since passage of the Decree, the Ministry of Finance has determined that eight of 64 enterprises should remain state-owned for the time being, while the other 56 should be divested-either through privatization, liquidation, corporatization or other mechanisms. The Afghan government has identified for divestment more than 1,400 SOE land parcels/buildings, from 44 SOEs evaluated. The Afghan government has approved 29 SOE liquidations, restructuring, and corporatization proposals. Foreign and domestic investors enjoy equal treatment under ongoing privatization programs.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

GIRoA is working with large companies and foreign investors to encourage corporate social responsibility (CSR). Large mining contracts include stipulations for environmental protection and community inclusion. Afghanistan law prohibits mining that would result in the destruction of antiquities unless the mining company has prior approval from the Ministry of Information and Culture. All four competing mobile network operators in the country have well-developed CSR outreach programs that include health, education, job creation, environmental protection, and outreach to refugees. Some Afghan charities are also benefiting from CSR funds from companies outside of the country. The newly-formed American Chamber of Commerce in Afghanistan (AmCham Afghanistan) has identified CSR as one of its core areas of focus. In addition, some Afghan entrepreneurs, such as Ihsanullah Bayat, Hotak Azizi, and the Alokozay Group, have foundations that provide assistance in the fields of health, education, and the eradication of poverty.

POLITICAL VIOLENCE

Afghanistan is struggling toward political stability, but anti-government violence has constrained economic activity. The government is taking steps to extend its reach in the provinces, but the risk of violence continues to be high in many areas, and security remains a primary concern for most investors. Foreign firms operating in country report spending a significant percentage of their revenues on security infrastructure and operating expenses. The U.S. Department of State continues to warn Americans against travel to Afghanistan. U.S. citizens should review the Consular Information Sheet and Travel Warning for Afghanistan for the most up-to-date information on the security situation and possible threats.

CORRUPTION

Corruption is pervasive in Afghanistan. In 2011, the country ranked 180th out of 182 countries in Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index. Based on the Penal Code, corruption is a serious criminal act; articles 260 to 267 state that anyone accepting or giving a bribe can be charged with criminal acts. While these anti-corruption laws exist, enforcement has been very limited. President Karzai created the High Office of Oversight for the Implementation of Anti-Corruption Strategy ("HOO") to coordinate anti-corruption measures for the government; this office, however, does not control penalties and fines and has been largely ineffective. Afghanistan acceded to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in August 2008, but is not a party to the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials. The early 2011 establishment of the Independent Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (MEC) for Anti-corruption should assist the Afghan Government in assessing its compliance with UNCAC. However, questionable Afghan Government commitment to supporting the MEC and early administrative challenges plague the new organization.

U.S. firms identify corruption as one of the biggest obstacles to foreign direct investment and routinely report being asked for a bribe, called "sherini" or "baksheesh." Although official working-level government salaries have recently risen, many officials at all levels take small bribes for government services. U.S. companies are expected to comply with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits the bribery of foreign officials.

BILATERAL INVESTMENT AGREEMENTS

Afghanistan has bilateral investment treaties (BITs) with Turkey and Germany. Afghanistan became a full member of the South Asia Free Trade Area (SAFTA) on August 7, 2011. Most products originating in Afghanistan can be imported into the U.S. duty-free under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Program, and EU tariffs on Afghan products are also very low. Afghanistan is a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC). The Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) was signed by both countries in Kabul in October 2010. Once fully implemented, APTTA should cut down on transportation costs and promote trade within the region. Afghanistan signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) with the United States in 2004, but a BIT has not been negotiated. Afghanistan does not have a bilateral taxation treaty with the United States.

OVERSEAS PRIVATE INVESTMENT CORPORATION AND OTHER INVESTMENT INSURANCE PROGRAMS

The U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) has an active and expanding portfolio of political risk insurance and provides both direct and indirect financial support to private business investments in country. OPIC makes direct loans of up to 60% of long-term investments that are at least 25% owned by a U.S. investor. OPIC provides political risk insurance coverage for the U.S. equity component, as well as reinsurance support for insurance that is written in-country. Afghanistan is a member of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).

LABOR

There is a critical shortage of skilled labor in Afghanistan. Only 30 percent of the population over the age of 15 can read and write. Decades of war, a low level of education, and a lack of training facilities have resulted in a serious scarcity of skilled technicians, qualified managers and educated professionals. U.S. companies that establish training programs for their employees should expect significant returns in enhanced productivity, but there is a risk of high turnover as skilled employees chase higher paying opportunities.

Labor-management relations are undeveloped. While there are major and smaller trade union organizations in the country, there is little knowledge or practice of collective bargaining. The new Labor Law went into effect in 2008 but it does not meet ILO standards. The law bans forced labor and child labor. It sets terms for working hours, overtime and leave, and calls for employers to provide a wide array of benefits. However, there is little awareness of its provisions in either the government or the private sector. There are no implementing regulations, and the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled lacks the capacity to enforce the law. Private sector employers report they have not been affected by the law. A regulation pertaining to foreign workers was published in 2005. While allowing for the employment of foreign workers, it requires that priority be given to Afghan workers when they are equally qualified.

FOREIGN-TRADE ZONES/FREE PORTS

Afghanistan has no duty-free import zones or ports. However, Afghanistan is considering the establishment of Trade Facilitation Zones and/or Export Processing Zones to enhance export potential.

FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT STATISTICS

Comprehensive foreign direct investment (FDI) statistics for Afghanistan are unavailable. Available figures are not reliable because of inconsistencies in data collection. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) 2010 World Investment Report estimates FDI flow into Afghanistan in 2009 at USD 185 million and total FDI stocks at USD 1.55 billion, representing 10.3% of GDP. According to AISA, the top FDI destination sectors in Afghanistan on average over the 2003-2011 period, in descending order, were services (56.3%), construction (32.6%), industries (10.2%) and agriculture (0.9%). AISA also stated that in 2011, the three largest investors were the United States ($6.5 million), Turkey ($4.3 million), and India ($2.6 million). AISA's data track approved, rather than actual, investment.