No development, in any country, is possible without economic development. Economic development basically provides the foundations on which the building of the overall development can be constructed. The underdeveloped and developing countries can pave their ways towards sustainable development, if they are able to prepare themselves for economic stability. And, a country like Afghanistan that has been influenced to a great extent by war and instability needs to focus much on economic sector. In fact, economic development is the only panacea for Afghanistan at the moment.
Emphasizing on the same, Second Vice President Mohammad Sarwar Danish in a conference on Sunday, May 21, said that economic development is essential for Afghanistan, but there are certain challenges that must be handled properly so as develop the sector. He mentioned in his statement, “War, violence and insecurity are hampering economic development, unnecessary paper work and bureaucracy are also wasting time and are posing economic harm; thirdly administrative corruption is also one of the obstructions for economic development and investment.” There is no doubt in the fact that the issues like insecurity, corruption and bureaucratic bottlenecks are major problems in the way to economic development and particularly in the way to healthy investment. Therefore, it is vital that these issues must be comprehended and tackled properly so that Afghanistan is able to continue its journey towards a stable country in terms of economy, and it is able to gain economic self-reliance and self-sufficiency to a certain extent.
It is imperative for Afghan authorities to comprehend that one of the ways the country would be able to face the serious challenges in different sectors is to strengthen its economy. A reliable economic system would help in political stability and restoration of security. The country cannot keep on relying on the external support indefinitely. It has to stand on its own and face its economic challenges itself. Most importantly, it needs to let the businesses grow, support them and enable them to bear roots. Both national and international businesses can assist the country in its journey towards a stable economic system.
However, the fact is that the attention given to the economic system of the country is really insufficient. Moreover, the different institutions that can play a great role in this regard have been victimized by incapacity and corruption. And, without strong economic institutions, developing the basic infra-structure on which to make the economy stand is almost impossible.   
One of the main institutions that has a key role in Afghanistan’s economic prosperity is Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI). This institution has to be supported, groomed and managed properly so that it shoulders the tough responsibilities that are given to it. Moreover, the business community is facing serious challenges like kidnapping of businessmen, procurement issues and challenges, low quality of services especially in large projects, lack of electronic payment systems, failure to attract foreign direct investment, WTO representation, low employment and brain drain challenges, lack of support mechanisms and programs for Afghan businesses especially for women-owned businesses, misuse of ACCI resources by those in authority, capital flight etc. And, these all issues remain unattended, while the authorities are busy in saving the positions in the institution.
On the other hand, insecurity has been influencing the economic life to a large extent in Afghanistan. Both national and international businessmen are not readily willing to invest in all the sectors and they do not see positive prospects of their businesses. As insecurity has been overwhelmingly influencing the country, the development in the basic infra-structure has been meager.
The doubts and uncertainties of the Afghan market have made the international investors to think thousand times before they take an initiative to start their businesses in the country. Though there are great opportunities in Afghanistan and the country is blessed with different types of mineral and other natural resources, the economic infra-structure has not been able to get enough attention.
Afghanistan needs to have strong economy so as to survive after the international supports dry. The country has to start from the institutions and basic infra-structure development and has to reach to a stable economy, wherein the businesses are able to function without any fear and inconsistency. The business institutions like ACCI need to develop an environment that can be galvanizing for both the national and international investors. Moreover, the golden opportunities wherein Afghanistan can exert maximum and can get the best outcomes from must be discovered and they should be strengthened so as to push the country towards self-sufficiency.
On the other hand, the businessmen and investors must also keep the national interests in their consideration while they establish their businesses and start getting the outcomes from them. They have to keep this in their minds that the society as a whole has certain rights that have to be fulfilled by them.