An annual report released by the Central Statistics Organization (CSO) on Tuesday reveals that Afghanistan’s economic growth rate was 3.6 percent last year while the country’s population increased by two percent in 2016 – reaching to 29.2 million.
 
The report encompasses data for solar year 1395 (21 March 2016 to 21 March 2017).
 
“Our economic growth was minus 1.8 percent in 1394 [March 2015 to March 2016], but it soared to 3.6 percent in 1395 [March 2016 to March 2017] which shows that it is at least five percent higher,” said Mohammad Jamizada, head of the CSO.
 
The report meanwhile indicates that almost 80 percent of government employees hold no bachelor degree.
 
“We should follow the country’s economic growth and it should be inclusive and should include all levels of the society,” said Mohammad Ismail Rahimi, deputy minister of economy.
 
As per the report, the presence of women among universities employees is estimated 11.8 percent; however, women make 22.9 percent of university students across the country.
 
At least 29 percent of women who qualify for employment are ready to work, the CSO report said.
 
“We see a change in the country’s economy every time when women join the labor force. The lack of women’s participation in the labor force is serious damage to Afghanistan’s economy,” said Hasib Moahid, an economic affairs analyst.
 
The CSO report also shows that there are three doctors for 10,000 people in Afghanistan. As well as, there are five beds at hospitals for 10,000 patients, the report says.
 
Based on the report, the number of patients suffering from HIV/AIDS has increased to 2,000 – showing 11 percent increase compared to 2015.