Upcoming Events
Investing in Afghanistan: The Heart of Asia
Having opened its doors for business and investment, Afghanistan is beginning to see the fruits of its economic development efforts, and opportunities abound.
The Afghanistan Investment Support Agency (AISA), the one-stop-shop for investing in Afghanistan, and the Economic, Trade and Investment Department of the Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington DC, presents Investing in Afghanistan: The Heart of Asia, the second annual investment promotion road show of AISA in North America from October 29th through November 8th, 2006. As last year, the road show will kick off with the second U.S.-Afghan Business Matchmaking Conference hosted by the Afghan-American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) and Afghanistan International Chamber of Commerce (AICC). This year’s road show, however, will focus on investing and doing business in Afghanistan in sectors specific to local interests of cities being traveled to which include:
October 29th-31st, Washington DC: AACC/ AICC Business Matchmaking Conference
November 1st, Des Moines, Iowa: Agriculture and Agro-processing
November 2nd-3rd, Los Angeles, California: IT and Telecommunication
November 4th-6th, Toronto, Canada: Energy and Mining
November 7th-8th, New York, New York: Construction, Finance and Insurance
The road show aims to increase awareness of North American business communities on the most recent economic, legal and institutional developments in Afghanistan. Most importantly, it will provide a rare opportunity for networking and business matchmaking with Afghanistan-based businesspeople. By working in partnership with local Afghan companies, U.S. investors can both contribute to the overall economic prosperity of Afghanistan and enjoy opportunities to profit from this emerging market.
Last year’s events presented a first opportunity for AISA to lead a delegation of over 40 Afghan private sector representatives to Washington DC, New York and San Francisco. Outcomes from this unprecedented event ranged from the formation of networks and exchange of creative ideas to the launch of successful business initiatives. The tour sparked great interest with over 200 representatives of both the Afghan-American expatriate communities as well as amongst prominent American investors.
This year’s road show will be led by Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, President and CEO of AISA along with Suleman Fatimie, Vice President of AISA, and Khaleda Atta, Commercial Attaché of the Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington DC. Participants will include representatives from major private companies in the U.S. and Canada, chambers of commerce, Diaspora, U.S. and Canadian government, and international organizations such as the World Bank, MIGA, UN and ADB.
To pre-register for the road show and to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact (202) 483-6410 ext. 8013 or email: [email protected] or [email protected] . Please also visit www.afghanistan.business-gateways.com .
Recent Past Events
Embassy Celebrates Independence Day
The Embassy of Afghanistan celebrated with the Afghan community in the East Coast Afghanistan’s 87th Independence Day on the evening of August 17, 2006 in Washington, DC. More than 300 guests—including senior US government officials, diplomatic corps, media, and friends and supporters of Afghanistan—attended the glamorous Independence Day reception at the Embassy in Kalorama.
Afghanistan’s renowned singer, Mr. Ahmad Wali, performed at the reception and sang patriotic songs in honor of Afghanistan’s Independence Day. His national songs moved the jubilant Afghan guests and reminded them of their debt of service to Afghanistan at a time when the country needs them to work together towards their homeland’s reconstruction. Similar celebrations were held in the capital and throughout Afghanistan, including in the south and east where thousands of people and government officials paid tribute to Afghanistan’s national heroes who fought for the freedom and sovereignty of Afghanistan.
Ambassador Said T. Jawad conveyed the messages of President Karzai and Foreign Minister Dr. Spanta to Afghan communities across the United States, wishing them a happy Independence Day. Ambassador Jawad said, “Today we salute our beautiful tricolor flag and pay tribute to those freedom fighters and leaders who secured and maintained our independence and freedom. 87 years is a brief period in the history of our ancient country. Our country with a rich five millennia civilization has been through many ups and downs of the history. The last thirty years in Afghanistan unfortunately endured two foreign invasions that destroyed our land but strengthened our unity and resilience. Today, Afghanistan is rapidly regaining her rightful place in the community of free, peaceful and pluralistic nations. With the partnership of the international community and the perseverance of the Afghan people, Afghanistan will emerge as a model of cooperation of civilizations for peace, prosperity and global security.”
The Afghan Independence Day is celebrated in Afghanistan on 19 August to commemorate the recognition by the United Kingdom of Afghanistan’s independence in August 1919.
