№68: Longing for a Boom: Prospects for Economic Development in Afghanistan
№68: Longing for a Boom: Prospects for Economic Development in Afghanistan

Author(s): Beata Górka-Winter
Subject(s): National Economy, Agriculture, Governance, Economic policy, International relations/trade, Economic development
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: Afghanistan; economic development; military operations in Afghanistan; rebuilding infrastructure; economic governance; economic policy; economic assistance; development of agriculture; foreign investors;
Summary/Abstract: The unrelenting military operations carried out in Afghanistan since the end of the 1970s brought about unprecedented devastation of the existing infrastructure and determined the abject economic condition of this state. Currently, the economic situation is improving, although Afghanistan is still facing a series of structural and other barriers (pervasive corruption, weak economic governance, and a shadow opium economy) to its growth, while reconstruction is still slowed down by continuing military conflict in the country. In the short-term perspective, Afghanistan will not be able to develop without serious economic assistance from donors. However, it may improve its economic standing in the longterm by supporting the development of traditional agricultural economy and creating conditions for local and foreign investors, which may provide capital and necessary know-how for exploring its vast mineral potential.

• Details
• Contents