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2010.11.18

Chief adviser of Afghan president: Lithuanian business has great opportunities

On the 11th of November, 2010, Sham L.Bathija, chief adviser in economics of Afghan president, had a meeting with representatives of Lithuanian Business Confederation ICC Lithuania in their office.
During the meeting the guest presented business and export opportunities in Afghanistan as well as potentialities of collaboration between Lithuania and Afghanistan.
Sham L.Bathija showed a great interest in positions of Lithuanian business and other institutions to consult Afghan business and government in affairs of introduction of new business standards, business self regulation, betterment of regulation of government activity using international arbitral court practice, plus, development of IT system, communication, engineering solutions, services of building subcontractors and transportation of commodities from Klaipeda port.
President adviser emphasized that currently Afghanistan wants to revive country’s historically deep business traditions that have been forgotten up to 2001 when president Hamid Karzai took command of the country.
“Today one of the major country’s projects is development of industry, so that vast contribution from donor countries is really needed to help develop Afghan industrial infrastructure. Business friendly countries, such as Lithuania, could signally contribute to creation of country’s welfare. “-said Sham L.Bathija.
According to Valdas Sutkus, president of Lithuanian Business Confederation ICC Lithuania, Lithuanians may anticipate proposals from Ghor province, where Lithuania governs it’s rehabilitation process.
Lithuanian export to Afghanistan formed a part of 13 mln. LT (3,8 mln. EU) in 2009, it is 58 percent less than in 2008. Import from Afghanistan to Lithuania was 1,6 mln. LT (0,46 mln. EU) in 2009, it is 2028 times more than in 2008 (from 800 LT in 2008). Turnover between Lithuania and Afghanistan was 14,6 mln. LT (4,2 mln. EU) in 2009. Lithuania’s trade balance with Afghanistan was positive and formed a part of 11 mln. LT (3,2 mln. EU). There was neither direct Afghan investment in Lithuania nor direct Lithuanian investment in Afghanistan for the 1^st, January, 2010.