Third Doha Process Private Sector Working Group Meeting Held in Kabul

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan announced that the third meeting of the Doha Process Working Groups on the private sector took place in Kabul, hosted by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) both in person and online at the Kabul Grand Hotel.

Representatives from key ministries of the Islamic Emirate, the central bank, United Nations-affiliated agencies, international and regional organizations, ambassadors, diplomats and experts attended. The meeting consisted of two sessions: the first on economic growth and inclusion, and the second on coordination and transparency.

During the gathering, Islamic Emirate representatives shared achievements and progress made since its establishment. Participants expressed appreciation for the Islamic Emirate's efforts and accomplishments, acknowledged cooperation in supporting the private sector, and stressed the need for continued collaboration.

UNAMA stated that the private sector working group focused on supporting job creation, strengthening entrepreneurship—particularly increasing women's participation—improving market integration, enhancing access to finance, and bolstering the banking system and private financial infrastructure. Both working groups identified priorities for expanding engagement and cooperation, exchanged views on sustainable support for Afghanistan's people, and highlighted the private sector's role in livelihoods and counter-narcotics efforts, which contribute to economic and social stability.

Political analyst Jannat Fahim Chakari welcomed the continuation of the meetings under UNAMA's supervision, noting their aim to promote economic growth and expand trade relations as part of the broader Doha Process. Sayed Haroon Hashemi suggested addressing political issues alongside economic topics in future meetings, while economic analyst Mir Shakir Yaqubi described the sessions as an important platform for interaction between the government, private sector and international institutions.

The Doha Process has emerged as a key framework for dialogue between Afghanistan and the international community, with the private sector consistently central to discussions on job creation, investment and livelihoods. In a prior meeting, Islamic Emirate representatives raised concerns over smuggling of industrial narcotics from neighboring countries and called for preventive measures.