Corruption- Afghanistan's major obstacle to economic development

Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) regard the recent decree of President Karzai on combating corruption as a necessary measure in particular for the economic growth of the nation.

Azarsh Hafizi, Director of International Relationships at ACCI, corruption is the main factor for the sluggish economic growth and Karzai’s decree should be implemented in a serious manner.

ACCI have prepared recommendations on policy design and implementation with regards to the presidential decree and will be presented to the President in an official letter.

According to the Head of ACCI Mohammad Qurban Haqjo, one of the recommendations includes amendments to the income tax law.

“Corruption that exists in revenue collection is due to weak law and regulation. Our revenue collection system is faced with serious problems which results in interference in the paperwork of a trader by a government employee,” said Mr. Haqjo.

Endemic corruption and lack of coordination among government agencies are the main hindrances on the path to economic growth.