Afghanistan provides a fast growing emerging market, one of key geographical importance as a result of its proximity to some of the biggest markets in the world. An unrivalled market for doing business at the ground floor level, it offers a legislative process hugely favourable to potential investors and constructors in the ongoing reconstructive process, as well as prime business opportunities for defence and security contractors looking to assist coalition forces in the ongoing stabilisation effort necessary to promote a thriving business environment.

Rich in natural resources, from agricultural products to mining materials and energy supplies, the catalyst for reconstruction and development in Afghanistan comes from the vast funds being pledged in foreign direct investment, from the likes of the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and global donors from key players in the coalition effort within the country such as the US and UK, and the clear need identified to utilise the global business community in assisting in the fulfilment of various projects and programmes.

The Afghanistan Reconstruction Summit will provide an opportunity for achieving such objectives, outlining the key business opportunities to be found in various business sectors and enabling companies to play a leading role in the development of a country rich in potential.

Security & Defence – The establishment of a secure operating environment in Afghanistan is crucial to the success of reconstruction efforts in the country. The role of not only coalition forces but the expertise of the private sector in providing this environment will have a key bearing on Afghanistan’s economical development, particularly as the growth of core industries will provide a viable alternative of employment to the opium trade.

Operational Capability & Life Support – With any military force in place overseas, the provision of key materials and equipment plays a major role in sustaining operational capability for the duration of a mission. This includes the provision of essential supplies such as food, water, clothing, medical supplies and ammunition for coalition combat operations. Extensive opportunities are available for providers of such services in the ongoing operations in Afghanistan.

Mining, Power & Utilities – Development of the mining and natural resources sector provides perhaps the greatest opportunity for investment and is key to the country’s rehabilitation, with the government tendering for contracts and the assistance of foreign companies and investors in developing the country’s many failed state-owned enterprises.

Telecommunications – A core area of infrastructure in any reconstruction effort, Afghanistan is looking to increase the number of service providers currently operating in the country, as well as improving information technology systems and the level of data processing and transfer crucial for establishing a successful business environment. The lack of reliance on local infrastructure (with most services relying on existing satellite networks) makes this a particularly attractive market.

Transportation & Logistics – Crucial as a support industry for other sectors that cannot function without a functioning transport infrastructure, Afghanistan’s borders with other crucial markets such as Pakistan, Iran and Central Asia provide lucrative opportunities for commercial logistics and transportation providers of all sizes, with improving security positions enabling the transhipment of goods through the country and the establishment of a major transportation hub.

Construction Materials – A crucial area in terms of building the necessary infrastructure for the successful development of the above mentioned sectors, with key focus on the supply of high quality products and materials to aid the country’s regeneration.

Agriculture – Afghanistan is rich in arable land, with agriculture providing the main source of livelihoods and a climate primed for the cultivation of high end crops such as wheat, maize, cotton, sugarcane, fruit, vegetables and rice. There are over one million farms in the country, with a strong wholesale market already in place. Further opportunities are available within the packaging sector and the processed fruit and vegetable market, estimated to be worth around $60 million at present.

Agricultural Production & Processing – One of the most lucrative markets, hugely attractive to foreign investors in light of the current global food crisis, as they look to establish processing facilities in undeveloped areas rich in arable land.

Manufacturing – Afghanistan is currently in the process of developing a low-cost labour intensive sector to address the high levels of unemployment in the country through the production of plastics, fabrics, leather, tyres, soaps, hand tools, bicycles and paper.

The summit benefits from a proven event model that combines plenary addresses on key areas with the opportunity for private discussions between attending companies and the various international delegations in attendance. This format is aimed at ensuring that attending companies have the opportunity to meet with leading stakeholders to demonstrate the important role they have to play in the reconstruction and redevelopment of Afghanistan, essentially making for a mutually beneficial multi-lateral relations forum:

As the venue for the summit, Istanbul provides an unrivalled location for the summit as the crossroads of the European, Middle Eastern and North African markets, serving as a hub for 1.2 billion people in total. The economic integration of the Turkish economy with the rest of the world and the deepening of commercial relations with surrounding countries make Istanbul an ideal choice to discuss the development of one of Asia's most potentially lucrative markets. Furthermore, the excellent hospitality provided by the city's many superior hotels ensures that delegates will have the opportunity to discuss this exciting process of development within the most comfortable surroundings.

We look forward to welcoming you in Istanbul