KABUL - CEO Abdullah Abdullah on Thursday said that the lack of coordination and the existence of corruption in the country have undermined the process of investment, adding that Afghanistan loses many economic opportunities as a result of the problems.
He called on the Afghan government institutions to work together to attract investments in the country.
The National Unity Government (NUG) under President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah had pledged to outline comprehensive strategies for the attraction of domestic and international investment in Afghanistan amid the economic downturn in the country.
However the NUG has been blasted for not undertaking the necessary steps to facilitate the investment process and to rebuild the trust of the business community.
He said that government officials should avoid prioritizing their personal interests when it comes to the economic development of the country, saying government workers should not exploit investments for their own gains‎ .
Abdullah pledged to take steps and wipe out issues facing investments and the private sector.
"We are determined to remove obstructions facing the private sector," said Abdullah.
He said government officials working at any level must prove their service to the people.
It is believed that a surge in violence in Afghanistan in recent years has had a major impact on investment in Afghanistan.
"The security problems should not mean the termination of work in other sectors. It means that we should work to better utilize available opportunities," said Abdullah.
Economic commentators suggest more government efforts to fight corruption.
Economic analysts meanwhile have suggested the government take more steps toward fighting corruption.
"Concerns about corruption can be removed after practical steps are taken. Anyone guilty of corruption should be referred to the law and they must be disclosed to people by media," said Senator Mohammad Asif Sediqqi.  (Tolonews)