As efforts are underway at national and international levels aimed at ensuring an enduring peace in the country, some Kabul-based investors interviewed by TOLOnews said they are concerned about an “uncertainty” in the country’s situation as well as in the peace process.
They reiterated that the situation will affect their business if it prevailed.
According to the investors, almost $50 billion has been invested by the private sector and that the sector has had an important role the country’s economic growth, but they have not been given a role in the peace process.
“Sometimes, there are talks about an interim government, sometimes about elections,” said Daud Jabarkhail, an investor. “This uncertain situation has a huge impact on the economy. It has a huge impact on the Afghan private sector, which has created many jobs for the people.”
The country’s economic system is based on the free market, the investors said, adding that in this system, the main driver is the private sector.
The investors said they are worried about a possible amendment in the Constitution and reviewing the economic system of the country.
Jabarkhail said their concerns should be addressed by the Afghan government and the international community.
An official from Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI), meanwhile, called on government and the international community to make clear plans to bring the private sector representatives to peace talks with the Taliban.
“If the peace talks and the (possible) return of the Taliban are done through a mechanism like the former President Dr. Najibullah’s era, then the businessmen will be worried about the loss of their capitals,” said Khan Jan Alokozai, the deputy head of the ACCI.
Critics said the Afghan government, the international community and the Taliban should clarify their future position towards the private sector in the country.
This comes as the talks between the US negotiators and the Taliban members entered their 13th day on Saturday. Reports indicate that the talks are focusing mainly on US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and counterterrorism efforts.