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International Focus
Afghan reconstruction = equipment needs
Action Steps
for Manufacturers |
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Equipment manufacturers interested in potential export opportunities in Afghanistan should:
• Contact their local
commercial service office (check www.usatrade.gov for an office locator).
• Contact the DOC Afghan Reconstruction Task Force to be added to contact lists being
created now so that when the reconstruction projects move into full swing, the task force is
prepared with contacts and product information (call 1-800-USA-TRADE, e-mail aghaninfo@ita.doc.gov,
or check www.export.gov/afghanistan).
• Check these other online resources: World Bank – www.worldbank.org/ afghanistan
and United Nations Development Program – www.development gateway.org
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Putting Afghanistan back on its feet will require significant investments in construction and agriculture, investments
that could create export opportunities for equipment manufacturers.
In part due to a significant desire by Afghans for U.S.-made products, the U.S. Dept. of Commerce (DOC) initiated an
Afghanistan Reconstruction Task Force to help coordinate export opportunities there for American companies.
Infrastructure Needs a Priority
 A
preliminary needs assessment conducted in January 2002 by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and United Nations
Development Program resulted in a 10-year financial plan for reconstruction as well as a list of priorities for 2002.
Financing is expected to come from these sources as well as others such as the U.S. Trade and Development Agency,
Ex-Im Bank and Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC).
As of January 2002, estimates of the funds needed from international donors call for expenditures of $1.7 billion in
the first year of reconstruction, with $14.6 billion needed over 10 years to rebuild Afghanistan.
Two reconstruction priorities are infrastructure development as well as agriculture and natural resource management.
The preliminary needs assessment cited specific needs to build infrastructure for transportation, civil aviation,
water and sanitation, energy, telecommunications, urban management services and housing.
DOC Services Promote Equipment Sales
Among DOC activity is organizing roundtable discussions with American companies to update them and obtain feedback on
how DOC should proceed to help manufacturers get involved in the reconstruction.
DOC also plans reverse trade missions that would both bring Afghan government officials and potential Afghan business
partners to the U.S.
Through its Commercial Service offices in Afghanistan and the U.S., DOC can help American companies identify Afghan
project opportunities and find local agents, distributors and partners. DOC can also assist with joint ventures and
licensing agreements in Afghanistan. In addition, DOC commercial service offices are also contacting companies based
in Turkey, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and India who could become business partners with U.S. companies who are exporting
to Afghanistan
This information comes from a 2002 International Council seminar presentation by Adina Renee Adler,
DOC international trade specialist and member of DOC’s Afghanistan Reconstruction Task Force.
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