Afghanistan's Industrial Productivity Dips by 35%

[BarakzaiAbdali]

Afghanistan?s Industrial Productivity (Business Growth) Dips By 35%



Afghanistan's economy faces a huge setback as the Industrial Productivity (Business Growth) figure indicated a decline of 35% during one year. The figure was announced by the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) on Saturday.

ACCI believes that the dip has been caused by high municipality fees and an increasing extortion rate in the country.

High customs tariff on imported goods especially raw materials, increase in extortion, smuggling of goods by powerful figures, collection of municipality taxes in each city, decrease in the number of construction projects have caused not only a decrease in the growth of businesses but also inflated the prices of raw materials in the country. This has affected the overall health of the economy.

ACCI officials added that every trader has to compulsorily pay 15,000 Afg (around $300) to the municipality for every container of goods transported at the entry gate of each city, which is extremely high.

"We had solved the issue in consultation with the President of Afghanistan but the problem has cropped up again," ACCI Deputy Chairman Khan Jan Alokozai said.

Concerned about the decline in the business growth rate, Afghan Lawmaker Waghma Safi said, "The problem is that the people misuse municipality names by making illegal check points and they take as much money as they want."

"I think that extortion puts pressure on the public so they are seeking ways to leave the country," Afghan Lawmaker Habiba Danish said.

[ComradePashtun]

Cannot be verified by other sources. 35% is huge percentage. Chambers of commerce is the mouthpiece of people concerned with maximum profits and their own pockets - to be remembered. Last year the industry sector had growth and because now of a suden insignificant municipality tax these lot are claiming that the overall sector which the third largest after services and agri secotor with GDP share of around 20% or something shrunk by 35%? lol

Take it with a pinch of salt BA. But you are only consoled with bad news and its projection so no diggity my friend.

[ډګروال]

when someone like zahir qadeer owns over 350 million dollars than the economy cant be good. how did they accumulate this much of money? as far as i have heard haji qadir was driving taxi or something prior to his jehad business.

Afghan economy is a joke , the moment economy goes good is the moment these guys will be lining their pockets.
the same about the wali of Kunar who prior this war didnt have all the wealth he does now. Thansk to lucrative "construction" projects he aquired and also gave to his realtives.

another thing is the mining rights given way way under market price to the involved counties.
for example the gold mine which is probably worth billions of dollars has been given for around 30 or 40 million dollars.

Afghanistan needs to nationalise all its mineral resources and all the contracts signed under war time should be nulified.

i think the economy is going down is because the rich people aka warlords and reshwathkhors are withdrawing their money and shipping it out ,most likely to an arab country in the gulf.

[BarakzaiAbdali]

Cannot be verified by other sources. 35% is huge percentage. Chambers of commerce is the mouthpiece of people concerned with maximum profits and their own pockets - to be remembered. Last year the industry sector had growth and because now of a suden insignificant municipality tax these lot are claiming that the overall sector which the third largest after services and agri secotor with GDP share of around 20% or something shrunk by 35%? lol

Take it with a pinch of salt BA. But you are only consoled with bad news and its projection so no diggity my friend.

Oh I may agree with you. This was posted for another implicit reason (actually 2). Some of us have been having a back and forth regarding the accuracy of Tolo etc. Back when Tolo claimed 10-20 Pakistani soldiers killed on the border I pointed to various studies showing the inaccuracies in the reporting of these organizations.

1) So the reader was left with the choice of either agreeing with the economic calculations which are too far fetched or finally conceding Tolo is inaccurate

2) Therefore the real story is that the media sector, despite the plethora of news outlets, drags behind.

So now the reader is left with actually 3 possiblities

1) The economy will suck and Tolo is accurate
2) Tolo has no editorial capability and ability to vet its news
3) The chamber of commerce is incompetent

In summary its still a bad situation when you have a choice between an economy potentially stinking, your news outlets being inaccurate, or your governmental agency making a dramatic miscalculation.

So it was posted for a teaching purpose.

[ComradePashtun]

What ever you like BA, it remains that you are hell bent on projecting negativity concerning anything relating to Afghanistan painting your doom and gloom picture. It seems to me to be a symptom of a an anti-Afghanistan virus which some Pakistanis have. Forgive me for saying this you might have caught this from your in-laws (sta khusarkhel, if I am not mistaken they are Pakistani?). lol

As for Tolo, the partisan anti-Pashtun network run by some fascists does have poor reporting and editorial quality, with demonizing Pashtuns and anti-Pashtun propaganda its cornerstone, and truth and accuracy in certain cases to be a travesty. They were too excited to throw petrol to the fire when the Goshtha incident happened. My personal view.

Any way it is not a bad situation notwithstanding the Tolo news factor. On the issue, I think industry and private sector has bright prospect, there are already signs of conspicuous progress. Alot of "made in" Afghanistan are on sight. Afghans by nature are hardworking, resilient and high spirited entrepreneurs which is the right mix for progress in itself. What is needed is the enabling and conducive environment, what I am gathering from my research is that while the government have not had its eyes on the ball, there is new found impetus and focus in this particular area and the right pieces being put together. It is overcoming some of the structural impediments for the growth of private sector and industry. There is an industrial policy in place which a friend has sent me recently, which is investment friendly and incentivizing, also industrial parks are being built while the absence efficient energy is to be a real dilemma especially in south and eastern zone I think degree of problem exists in north and west too. There is especial focus on small and medium size enterprises, and rightly so which is important for inclusive and sustainable development. From my observation of the reports from principle sources (i.e. international agencies involved assisting the govt in this area, govt sources etc.) there is an overall healthy and constructive discourse going on with good ideas and approaches to build this sector.

There is a huge future potential if we make some progress. With the right/sufficient infrastructure in place, a level industrial base, there is a huge potential for foreign investments too. Expect foreign enterprises to invest to produce in Afghanistan, not for the sake of tapping the Afghan market but the broader region. India for instance would not need to vie for access through Pakistan, but it can simply come in vertically and invest there and navigate the regional market. I know, I am optimistic. :-)

[BarakzaiAbdali]

What ever you like BA, it remains that you are hell bent on projecting negativity concerning anything relating to Afghanistan painting your doom and gloom picture. It seems to me to be a symptom of a an anti-Afghanistan virus which some Pakistanis have. Forgive me for saying this you might have caught this from your in-laws (sta khusarkhel, if I am not mistaken they are Pakistani?). lol

On a technical level perhaps. How the marriage worked was that, as you know, there are yargu khels that Amanullah awarded lands to in Birmal - hence the connection. Per your view though they still have the most legitimate form of citizenry, documentation awarding them from Amanullah himself.

Their view of it probably matches up more with the Hizbe folks (though they are not members) running around. They view the Taliban as an imposition by the Bhutto administration for a Pakistan centric advance and access to central asia.

My view is more honed toward the evidence based and practical desires, needs, and wants of the rural masses with some respect for elites that honor their people.

As for Tolo, the partisan anti-Pashtun network run by some fascists does have poor reporting and editorial quality, with demonizing Pashtuns and anti-Pashtun propaganda its cornerstone, and truth and accuracy in certain cases to be a travesty. They were too excited to throw petrol to the fire when the Goshtha incident happened. My personal view.

But that is the issue. What you see as doom and gloom is what I see as a need for an injection of reality, both historically and in the modern sense.

For instance, the technocrat will say: Look girls schools! we good
Insurgency and prior eras bad. There are a heck of alot of qualifiers there and the US has raised these issues themselves with Sopko noting that there are girls schools but their teaching and attrition rates are subpar.

So rather, I think there needs to be an aggressive way to counter the technocrats with some injections of reality dosing titrated to maintain transparency.


Any way it is not a bad situation notwithstanding the Tolo news factor. On the issue, I think industry and private sector has bright prospect, there are already signs of conspicuous progress. Alot of "made in" Afghanistan are on sight. Afghans by nature are hardworking, resilient and high spirited entrepreneurs which is the right mix for progress in itself.

I couldnt agree with that last sentence even more. I wholeheartedly admire the working ethic and abilities to persevere of our people.

Unfortunately, that hard work ethic isnt usually found amongst the emigres like Mr. Karzai and his familial folks who left his people high and dry and didnt do much for themselves, their adopted countries, etc.

Rather, they always thought themselves more than they were and because of that inferiority complex they are now actively ruining Afghanistan.

Their mentality of blame all others, ignore facts, and ignore news that needs to be acted upon created the likes of Mr. Zak Kandahari - a young man that probably believes any rural religious cultured Pashtun is a Pakistani in disguise worthy of torture.

Thats what inflated news reports and ahistorical realities create my friend.

What is needed is the enabling and conducive environment, what I am gathering from my research is that while the government have not had its eyes on the ball, there is new found impetus and focus in this particular area and the right pieces being put together. It is overcoming some of the structural impediments for the growth of private sector and industry. There is an industrial policy in place which a friend has sent me recently, which is investment friendly and incentivizing, also industrial parks are being built while the absence efficient energy is to be a real dilemma especially in south and eastern zone I think degree of problem exists in north and west too. There is especial focus on small and medium size enterprises, and rightly so which is important for inclusive and sustainable development. From my observation of the reports from principle sources (i.e. international agencies involved assisting the govt in this area, govt sources etc.) there is an overall healthy and constructive discourse going on with good ideas and approaches to build this sector.

I think this level of honesty only helps. This is what needs to be done though. When its reported that 100 girls schools are built in some random place - further fact finding needs to follow. Otherwise, its just feel good propaganda.

There is a huge future potential if we make some progress. With the right/sufficient infrastructure in place, a level industrial base, there is a huge potential for foreign investments too. Expect foreign enterprises to invest to produce in Afghanistan, not for the sake of tapping the Afghan market but the broader region.

Regional cooperation is not a bad thing. Foreign investment as in Western interests owning the economy lock stock and barrell is a major mistake and a quick fix that will lead to utter dependency. Back in the day a certain reviled figure in these parts (PF I mean), named Shah Saud had the same exact concept for how to develop Saudi. We saw how that worked out for the Arabs who pretty much depend on Western largesse and have one single resource that has resulted in a lot of interventionalism and autocracy in their region. That is the problem with the vein of thinking of these technocrats. Their mindset is: Turn Afghanistan into Las Vegas or New York and everyone will be happy and all will be well. Yet they dont understand the basics of how those two cities are in a nation that is completely self sufficient and autonomous.

India for instance would not need to vie for access through Pakistan, but it can simply come in vertically and invest there and navigate the regional market. I know, I am optimistic. :-)

India should be encouraged alongside of south and central asia to work together. However, India's economy and rising middle class has no vested self interest in cooperating with a federation that would seek complete autonomy and utilize their own internal resources because that would run counter to their military and economic interests.

[BarakzaiAbdali]

I await Toramana's grief stricken critique lol

[ComradePashtun]

BA, yet more of the magna-carta polemical. You have a very distorted view things. Technically non technically they are Pakistanian. What is per my view? I consider anything east of Durrand to be non other than Pakistani, I am on the same page as you when it comes to Durrand line. You need not to twist things as it suit you, you are quite brilliant at it. What is Hezbe folks?

You are more detach of reality than the so called emigre (I don't know what eff that means) you are obsessed with?

How did Karzai leave his people high and dry? Why can that be not applied in your parents' and your case? You have a gal to talk? While Karzai was instrumental in being a diplomatic face of resistance/mujahideen, what were you and your associates up to?

Talibs are not reps of the traditional Pashtun rural masses but product of deobandi Paki madrassas. They are complete zomies and sell outs at odd with most of the traditional Pashtun way of life and mores. I agree with Gilles Dorronsoro's definition of Taliban: Neo-fundamentalists.

[BarakzaiAbdali]

BA, yet more of the magna-carta polemical. You have a very distorted view things.

Polemical would mean there is a lack of proof. Simply trying to use a term to rebut evidence doesnt win the day... rather it shows a desparate attempt to impose opinion over historical fact and reality


Rather, I have repeatedly provided historical similitudes that you havent been able to address. As I see it, what you propose for Afghanistan is the enforcement of democratic pluralism. My point is that whether you like it or not, history proves again and again that such an approach doesnt work. Rather, democratic pluralism and its success stories are an evolving process.

Rather, I believe it is you that has distorted reality to fit your goal. There is a difference - each thing I have said I have validated with references and history. You have not.

Technically non technically they are Pakistanian.

Yet they are Wazir Pashtuns. Of the same family that twice secured the Afghan throne.

What is per my view?

Regarding the Amanullah period being the legitimately free period of Afghanistan's autonomous history.

I consider anything east of Durrand to be non other than Pakistani, I am on the same page as you when it comes to Durrand line.

I am glad we see eye to eye on the current ground level realities.

You need not to twist things as it suit you, you are quite brilliant at it.

What is Hezbe folks?

Those that found Hekmetyaar and others like him favorable found the Taliban unpalatable.

You are more detach of reality than the so called emigre (I don't know what eff that means) you are obsessed with?

Not so. My travels through the country side as a physician and history show a complete attachment to reality.

How did Karzai leave his people high and dry?

He either worked as Mojadidi's zoot suited gopher or generally found his way to Quetta coffee shops talking about fighting but never actually facing the Russian onslaught. Rather, the real men did that. Hamida and others like him thought themselves too valuable to be men like Washington was and actually risk their lives alongside their men. In the famous words of Al Pacino, people respect "balls" not soft hands.

Why can that be not applied in your parents'

Yes absolutely. My father, like most emigres has a favorite past time of hoping that Pakistan's own nukes are used on it. We certainly have clashed on our viewpoints.

and your case?

I would have been all but 10 years old at the end of that conflict.

You have a gal to talk?

Absolutely, as the gal is directed at emigres that are robbing their native people for personal gain with a pack of lies.

While Karzai was instrumental in being a diplomatic face of resistance/mujahideen, what were you and your associates up to?

I know Karzais family dear friend. I was at his nephew's wedding. Should you decide, since you appear to know some of those folks, test my knowledge of that event we can pm between eachother and I can give you information on the wedding that only a guest would know to establish legitimacy.

Karzai was deeply embedded with the CIA and had no qualms with the ISI on the ground at the time. His uncle Habibullah was the predominant face of the Karzai clan in dealing with that conflict.

These links were why Najib's thugs hunted him down.

Talibs are not reps of the traditional Pashtun rural masses but product of deobandi Paki madrassas.

I also do not endorse their interpretations but do endorse reality my friend. You are utterly wrong on that front. From Kawun Kakar, Karzai's bosom buddy himself:

"

In reality, the traditional way of life in villages has changed little by Taliban's rule. "

http://www.friendskorner.com/forum/f...n-52400-print/

They are complete zomies and sell outs at odd with most of the traditional Pashtun way of life and mores. I agree with Gilles Dorronsoro's definition of Taliban: Neo-fundamentalists.

Matthew hoh disagreed with you years ago:

"In doing this, we backed one side in a long civil war—the more progressive-secular and urban camp, Tajiks, Uzbeks and Hazaras, and some Pashtuns and those who live in the north and west. But it excluded one-third of Afghans, the rural, religious, traditional camp, who are Pashtuns in the south and east—which include the Taliban—whose forerunners we backed in 1980s, against the Soviets."

Read more: http://www.thenation.com/article/157...#ixzz2UvLppOs4

Kawun Kakar disagreed with you above.

This soldier made waves when his ground level experience in the villages showed him the realities:
http://www.pashtunforums.com/world-n...nistans-37808/
"The Taliban clearly has broad support from Afghan people.
Conscientious objection is a right and obligation in a failed war."

http://www.pashtunforums.com/politic...ernance-37486/

Matthew Snow's piece disagrees as well.

Rather, the sell outs are those emigres that think the can enforce their worldview on the rural folks by force and enrich themselves and stoke their own egos.

Finally, all the most powerful IMPARTIAL data to date indicates the Pashtuns agree with the interpretation, at the rural level, of the penal code implementation you call deobandi:
http://www.pashtunforums.com/politic...anistan-37467/

In summary Comrade, until you can provide an evidence based rebuttal or at least contribute an evidence based response - as each time you refer to evidence and I seek it out what we see is contrary details (e.g. the IMF/NATO data) to what you stated or at least further support for my original statement.

Stating things such as "polemics" or "your sources are weak" without backing that up merely is responding to evidence with an opinion.

Even with respect to the Pew Data, others here finally conceded that if true - it would still mandate emigres be allowed to enforce their better informed and intelligence worldview onto the masses. That remains the problem - the fact that history shows such an approach has never and will never work.