The Austria-Afghanistan Society (www.oeafg.at)
cordially invites you to the
panel discussion
Economic Potentials and Opportunities in
Afghanistan
Location:
Universal Peace Federation, Seidengasse 28 im Hof
rechts, 1070 Wien
Date:
Tuesday, 25. June 2019, Time: 18.30
In times of protracted crises, armed conflicts, deteriorating security and peace talks in Afghanistan, this panel discussion
is focusing on an underestimated, but very important topic: The economy crisis in Afghanistan that has severe
implications for the population and is directly related
to human security. In this context, the
panelists are not only focusing on the big economic
picture, but in particular
on potentials and opportunities
for the population,
exploring bottom-up approaches, alternative livelihoods,
remittances and how to make a living
with small businesses.
The economy
of Afghanistan has had significant improvement in the last decade due to
the infusion of billions of dollars in international assistance and remittances
from Afghan expatriates. The assistance that came from expatriates and outside
investors saw this increase when there was more political reliability after the
fall of the Taliban regime. The nation's GDP stands at about $70 billion with
an exchange rate of $20 billion (2017), and the GDP per capita is about $2,000.
It imports over $6 billion worth of goods but exports nearly $1 billion only,
mainly fruits and nuts. Despite holding over $1 trillion in proven untapped
mineral deposits, Afghanistan remains one of the least developed countries on
the planet. About 25% of its population is unemployed and lives below the poverty
line. Many of the unemployed men join the foreign-funded militant groups or the
world of crime, particularly as smugglers. The Afghan government has long been
pleading for foreign investment in order to improve Afghanistan's economy. (Wikipedia - Economy
of Afghanistan)
Panelists:
1.
Razik Azad BA. (OEAFG): "The socio-economic
Situation in Afghanistan"
2.
Baktash Jami MA : "Economic Potentials and Opportunities
in Afghanistan"
3.
Petra Oberberger MA: "The Relevance of Remittances for Afghans"
Remarks & Moderation: Dr. Friedrich
Schwank, Dr. Wolfgang Aichelburg, Dr. Markus Gauster (Board members,
Austria-Afghanistan Society)
Tel. +43-1-533 57 04
E-Mail: offices@schwank.com Web: www.oeafg.at
In cooperation with
www.weltfriede.at and vidc.org
