Rebuilding Afghanistan (page 1 of 2)

Q. What challenges does Afghanistan face today, more than two years after the fall of the Taliban?

A. The challenges are not smaller today than they were two years ago, but they are different. Two years ago, we had just started dealing with the situation, which was a consequence of 25 years of war and destruction.

It was even difficult to prioritize. Since then, in elements of the process, like political and economic reconstruction, security and stability, there have been clear improvements.

If I may talk about the political part first, I would point out that several months ago we ratified the constitution, and we are now making preparations for a general election. At that time, it was a hard objective, but we have moved on.

In terms of the reconstruction of Afghanistan, lots of work has been done but lots more still needs to be done. In terms of security and stability, there are still security problems. I consider the issue of narcotics one of the security challenges that we are facing.

Today, the story of Afghanistan is a story of achievements and of the great challenges that lie ahead.

Q. Have the donor countries given all the aid promised? Is it enough?

A. Aid, which was promised, which was placed in Tokyo, yes. Some members of the international community have surpassed their promises, which is good. In terms of whether it was enough or not, I should say that the needs are enormous.

The scale of the problems and the scale of the challenges that we are faced with is bigger than anything that one could imagine. That is still a big challenge for everyone.

Nevertheless, the Berlin conference a few months ago in itself was a successful conference. The contribution to Afghanistan was very significant, not just talking in terms of numbers or figures. The fact that it was an all-out commitment from the international community for long-term support for Afghanistan, that in itself is unique.

That is good news. That means that the importance of supporting Afghanistan or that the situation in Afghanistan is being recognized, and the international community has been acting.

Q. The economy is closely linked with political and security issues in Afghanistan. Part of the problem is the huge unemployment that forces the youth to turn to crime. So what kinds of jobs are being created?

A. I think we really rely on the private sector. The government has been trying to prepare the ground, the right environment for the promotion of the private sector. Business is booming in the country.

Trade is better than any time in our history. The people have started building themselves. Construction work is taking place, and there are major schemes throughout the whole country.

There are now lots of opportunities, not only for us, but also for our neighboring countries. Agreeing with you on that point, that when you have tens of thousands more people disarmed, when we have refugees returning, I think this is going to become a big, big challenge, but the focus is on creating the right environment for the private sector to be able to create jobs.

Q. Are you seeing investments from Middle East and other parts of the Arab world?

A. I think that the opportunity is there. From the neighboring countries, as well as the countries in the region, but no, we are not seeing a lot from the Middle East. But the opportunity is there, and I wouldn't say that it is too soon. The legal basis, the legal framework, has been established.