‘Afghanistan’s private sector faces enormous obstacles’

Doha, Qatar: Under Secretary General of the United Nations for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo has said that the third meeting of...

Doha, Qatar: Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo has said that the third meeting of special envoys concerned with Afghanistan, being held in Doha, is largely fruitful and ongoing.

“This is the first time that such a broad sector of the international community and the actual authorities have had the opportunity to hold such detailed, frank and useful discussions, which were based on the priority areas listed in the independent evaluation that was recognised by the United Nations Security Council last November,” she said while addressing a press conference yesterday.

She said that Afghanistan’s private sector faces enormous obstacles to its development and growth, which negatively affect the economy and livelihoods.  “Afghanistan needs to build on the progress made in reducing drug production and terrorism and reassure the international community of deep concern about the continuing and dangerous restrictions imposed on women and girls.”

She noted that Afghanistan cannot return to the international fold, or develop fully economically and socially, if it is deprived of the contributions and capabilities of half its population.

Rosemary expressed her hopes that the ongoing participation and discussions would move things forward in a way that makes Afghanistan a more open and inclusive society, both in terms of governance and civic participation. He appreciated Qatar for hosting this meeting.