The Impact of Returning Industrialists and Entrepreneurs and the Facilities Provided by the Islamic Emirate
Introduction
Industry is a crucial factor in strengthening a country's economy and securing a strong political position on the global stage. A robust industrialized country naturally maintains extensive trade relations. Globally, the most powerful nations are those with extensive industrial production and expansive trade networks.
Afghanistan, due to past neglect and foreign occupation, remains agrarian even in the 21st century. However, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has recognized this challenge and taken initial steps towards industrialization. The Islamic Emirate strives to position Afghanistan among the world's leading industrial and trading nations.
To encourage industrialists and entrepreneurs, the Islamic Emirate has introduced numerous facilities, aiming to provide a secure environment for investment within the country.
The State of Industry and Trade
Since the establishment of the Islamic Emirate, significant steps have been taken to expand and develop Afghanistan's industry and trade, with focused attention in this area. Substantial domestic and foreign investment has been attracted to the sector.
The industrial sector has grown and strengthened, with dozens of factories becoming operational in the country. Over the past three years, numerous domestic and international companies have invested in various fields. Factories have been established in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, oil extraction, cement production, steel melting, blanket manufacturing, agricultural products, and more.
The Islamic Emirate supports domestic industrial production and, to strengthen this sector, the cabinet approved a proposal by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in 1401 SH requiring Emirate institutions to prioritize the use of domestic products. Additionally, Emirate authorities and the public have been encouraged to support domestic production as a means of bolstering the industrial sector.
Over the past three years, Afghanistan’s trade with neighboring and regional countries has significantly increased, with many previous challenges being resolved. The state of trade has progressively improved each year, achieving consistent annual growth over the past three years.
To further strengthen trade, the Islamic Emirate established the High Council of Standards to enhance the quality of domestic products. This initiative aims to expand trade further and enable Afghan traders to secure and sustain a position in the global market. Moreover, to promote trade development, the Islamic Emirate has organized exhibitions under the name of Imam Abu Hanifa and facilitated foreign trade initiatives. For instance, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, recently visited Uzbekistan to discuss expanding foreign trade.
The Impact of Returning Industrialists and Entrepreneurs
The Islamic Emirate places great importance on the return of industrialists and entrepreneurs to Afghanistan. It has repeatedly invited them to return and invest in their homeland, contributing to the country's development. Currently, Afghanistan presents favorable opportunities for investment, and the Islamic Emirate is committed to providing all necessary facilities in the areas of investment and trade. To support the private sector, the Islamic Emirate has also established a fund to assist industrialists and entrepreneurs in economic matters.
Returning industrialists and entrepreneurs can play a significant role in Afghanistan's economic growth. Their return will bring capital into the country, redirecting investments they previously made abroad to projects within Afghanistan, thereby fostering economic development.
Furthermore, their investments will attract skilled and professional workers from abroad to Afghanistan, leading to the training and development of a new professional and skilled workforce within the country. Additionally, investment by returning industrialists and entrepreneurs will contribute to reducing unemployment rates in Afghanistan, directly and indirectly creating job opportunities for many people.
Facilities Provided to Industrialists and Entrepreneurs by the Islamic Emirate
The esteemed leadership of the Islamic Emirate has outlined numerous privileges and facilities for returning industrialists and entrepreneurs. These benefits and conveniences are explicitly detailed in the "Regulation for Organizing the Privileges and Facilities for Returning Industrialists and Entrepreneurs." This regulation comprises an introduction, three chapters, four sections, and twenty articles, drafted based on the decree number 7 of the Amir al-Mu’minin, Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzada (may Allah protect him).
The regulation aims to support Afghan industrialists, entrepreneurs, and investors returning to Afghanistan as part of the country’s industrialization efforts. A committee, led by the Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce and composed of representatives from various ministries and other Emirate institutions, has been formed to facilitate cooperation with returning industrialists and entrepreneurs. This committee is tasked with verifying the status of returning industrialists and entrepreneurs, introducing them to relevant authorities to access privileges and facilities, and ensuring timely progress on these matters. The committee reports to a designated high commission.
The regulation offers numerous incentives and facilities to returning industrialists and entrepreneurs. For instance, high- and medium-level industrialists and entrepreneurs investing in new industrial ventures are exempt from taxes, excluding employee-related taxes, for five years. Additionally, machinery and equipment imported by high-, medium-, and low-level industrialists and entrepreneurs are exempt from customs duties.
Industrialists and entrepreneurs are also allowed to bring two personal vehicles into Afghanistan without customs duties. For those wishing to bring foreign technical staff and engineers to Afghanistan, two-year visas will be issued.
Moreover, the regulation provides industrialists and entrepreneurs with a residential plot in Kabul’s new city (Deh Sabz) or housing townships under the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing. Other benefits include access to essential banking facilities and agricultural and mineral lands, further encouraging investment by returning industrialists and entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
The Islamic Emirate is committed to Afghanistan’s industrial and commercial development. With this objective in mind, it has facilitated both domestic and foreign investments and is making every effort to ensure Afghanistan achieves economic growth and stands as a competitive nation alongside its peers.
The Islamic Emirate invites all Afghan industrialists and entrepreneurs residing abroad to return, invest in their homeland, and play a vital role in its economic progress. The regulation designed for returning industrialists and entrepreneurs includes numerous privileges and facilities tailored for their support.
By taking advantage of these opportunities, they can invest in a secure Afghanistan, within a peaceful environment, contributing to the nation’s industrial and economic growth.