Third Doha Process Private Sector Working Group Convenes in Kabul

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) hosted the third session of the Doha Process Private Sector Working Group in Kabul this week. The gathering brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including senior officials from the interim Afghan administration, international diplomats, and economic experts. The meeting served as a continuation of the structured dialogue initiated to integrate Afghanistan more effectively into the global economic system.\n\nDiscussions were organized into two primary segments, the first focusing on sustainable economic growth and inclusion. A key topic was the empowerment of the local workforce, with specific emphasis placed on enhancing women’s participation in entrepreneurship. Participants noted that a truly resilient economy requires the active involvement of all segments of society to drive innovation and long-term stability.\n\nThe second session addressed the critical need for coordination and transparency between the de facto authorities and the international community. Delegates from the Central Bank of Afghanistan (Da Afghanistan Bank) and several ministries highlighted recent economic benchmarks. They urged international partners to assist in modernizing the country’s financial infrastructure, which remains hampered by significant external restrictions.\n\nA central theme throughout the dialogue was the improvement of access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises. Local business leaders and international representatives examined potential mechanisms to facilitate smoother international transactions and private banking operations. The working group aims to bridge the gap between technical requirements and the current reality of the Afghan banking sector.\n\nThis meeting is part of the broader Doha Process, a framework established following the third Meeting of Special Envoys in mid-2024. The process seeks to foster a more coherent and coordinated approach to international engagement with Afghanistan, focusing on practical areas like trade and economic development rather than just humanitarian relief.\n\nWhile the interim government showcased its achievements in stabilizing the domestic economy, international observers stressed that continued progress depends on transparent governance and inclusive policies. The working group concluded with a series of proposals intended to streamline future cooperation and address the systemic challenges facing the Afghan private sector.