President Karzai Meets with H.E. Carlos
M. Gutierrez, Secretary of the United States Department of Commerce
Office of the Spokesman to the President
02/28/2006
Press Release
Date of Release: 28 February 2006
Arg, Kabul - H.E. Hamid Karzai, President of the Islamic
Republic of Afghanistan, met with H.E. Carlos M. Gutierrez,
Secretary of the United States Department of Commerce at the
Gulkhana palace this afternoon.
During this meeting, the President and Secretary
Gutierrez discussed the strong economic and commercial relationship
between Afghanistan and the United States of America.
The President emphasized Afghanistan’s desire
to export its dry fruits, marble, carpets and rugs to the United
States of America and said, “30 years ago, Afghanistan
was a major exporter of raisin to the world and we will work
hard to regain that status. We need more assistance in getting
our products to the world standards.”
“The World Bank report on doing business
2006 ranked Afghanistan as the top in the world with respect
to business start up regulation which augurs well for the future
our economy and encourages us to build on this success and create
an environment that’s more conducive to foreign investors.”
Secretary Gutierrez reaffirmed the long-term commitment
of the United States of America to work with the people of Afghanistan
to create economic opportunities and develop a private sector
that will drive Afghanistan’s economic growth.
Secretary Gutierrez said, “My visit highlights
the United States’ continued support to help Afghanistan
create a business-friendly environment that will create jobs
and move economic development forward. A strong economy will
help Afghanistan build a society based on peace, hope and prosperity.”
Afghanistan and the United States will hold a
Conference in the future on trade and development which aims
to enhance relationship between the Afghan businesses and the
United States businesses to work on getting Afghan products
more suitable to the standards of international products.
The President also discussed the prospect of Afghanistan
becoming a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to open
better opportunities for the people of Afghanistan.”
For further information, please contact:
Khaleeq Ahmad, Deputy Spokesman on International
Affairs
Tel.: 0093 70 28 68 53
Released by the Office of the Spokesman to the
President
Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
