THIRD PROJECT PROGRESS REPORT...2.1 Project Coordination and Management The second Project Steering...

ADVANCING AFGHAN TRADE

EU TRADE-RELATED ASSISTANCE

THIRD PROJECT PROGRESS REPORT

01 July 2018 - 30 June 2019

CONTENTS

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Context of the Action .................................................................................................................................. 5

Executive Summary of the Action ............................................................................................................... 6

Actual Results ........................................................................................................................................... 27

Activities carried out during the reporting period ...................................................................................... 47

Overarching Focus on Trade Learning and Capacity Building for Regional Co-operation throughout all the above components ........................................................................................................................... 126

Difficulties encountered and measures taken ......................................................................................... 127

Implementation of the Visibility and Communication Plan ...................................................................... 128

Request for payment .............................................................................................................................. 131

Work Plan for 01 July, 2019 – 31 January, 2020.................................................................................... 131

ANNEX I: MEDIA REPORT: 1 JULY 2018 – 30 june 2019 .................................................................... 135

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS USED

AAT Advancing Afghan Trade

ACCI Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce

ACD Afghanistan Customs Department

ACE Afghanistan Center of Excellence

AICF Afghanistan Investment Climate Facility

AISA Afghanistan Investment Support Agency

ANPDF Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework

ANSA Afghanistan National Standards Agency

ANTP Afghanistan National Trade Policy

ATAR Afghanistan Trade and Revenue

AWBF Afghan Women's Business Federation

AWCCI Afghan Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry

BMZ Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

CBM Curriculum-based measurement

CEO Chief Executive Office

CWS Centre for WTO Studies, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade

DFID Department for International Development

DG Director General

DM Deputy Minister

EIF European Investment Fund

EPAA Export Promotion Agency Of Afghanistan

EU European Union

EUD European Delegation To Afghanistan

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization

GIRoA Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

GIZ Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (German Development Agency)

HACCP Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point

HEC High Economic Council

ICC Afghanistan International Chamber of Commerce

IIFT Indian Institute of Foreign Trade

IMCTF Inter-Ministerial Commission on Trade Facilitation

IMCWTF Inter-Ministerial Committee on WTO and TF

ISO International Organization for Standardization

IT Information Technology

ITC International Trade Center

LEAD Leading Entrepreneurs of Afghanistan for Development

MAIL Ministry of Agriculture Irrigation and Livestock

MoIC Ministry of Industry and Commerce

MoPH Ministry of Public Health, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

NTFC National Trade Facilitation Committee

NES National Export Strategy

NFF Note For File

NNA National News Agency

NTFC National Trade Facilitation Committee

PPD Public Private Dialogue

PPDP Public-Private Development Partnership

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PPT PowerPoint Presentation

RTFCM Regional Trade Facilitation Committee

RECCA Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan

SEEN Start-ups and Emerging Entrepreneurs Network

SIMT Strategy Implementation Management Tool

SME Small and medium-sized enterprises

SPS Sanitary and Phytosanitary

TBC To Be Confirmed

TBT Technical Barriers to Trade

TF Trade Facilitation

TFA Trade Facilitation Agreement

TSI Trade Support Institutions

UNAMA United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan

UNCTAD United Nations Conference of Trade and Development

USAID United States Agency for International Development

USD US Dollar

VC Video Conference

WTO World Trade Organization

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CONTEXT OF THE ACTION

Name of beneficiary of Delegation Agreement: International Trade Centre (ITC)

Title of Action: Trade-Related Assistance for Afghanistan

EC CRIS Number: ACA/2016/376-500

Start and end date of reporting period: 1 July 2018 - 30 June 2019

Background

The Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) recognises international trade as an important

driver of growth, for which it has prioritized trade, transit, and regional cooperation as critical elements in its

economic development strategy. It is committed to trade reforms aimed at unlocking the potential of the

country's export sector, which is evident from recent initiatives undertaken by the country such as accession

to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and ratification of WTO TFA. However, this changing trade

environment requires solid understanding of trade issues, design and implementation of legislative reforms

and their enforcement through institutionalized mechanisms.

The three-year project, funded by the European Union (EU), worth EUR 4 550 000, will assist the GIRoA in

improving the conditions to use trade as a lever for confidence building, enhanced regional cooperation,

economic and human development and poverty reduction. It aims to strengthen human and institutional

capacity on trade policy and strategy formulation and implementation with the active engagement of the private

sector. The project, which is in line with Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework (ANPDF)

2017 - 2021, started in August 2016 and will run until August 2019.

The projects takes into account the country-specific needs of Afghanistan related to enhanced regional trade

cooperation, particularly taking into account the focus of both the Regional Economic Cooperation Conference

on Afghanistan (RECCA) and the Heart of Asia Process on positioning Afghanistan as a regional trade hub in

Central Asia and promoting enhanced regional cooperation.

The project is being executed under the Asia Regional Multiannual Indicative Programme 2014-2020. In line

with the Agenda for Change, EU regional programmes aim at supporting a broad-based process of dialogue

and collaboration between Central Asian countries, promoting an environment conducive to a non-

confrontational approach within the region, notably in areas sensitive to overall political and social instability.

Project partners and beneficiaries

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) is in charge of trade policy formulation/trade negotiations in

Afghanistan and is the main counterpart and beneficiary of this project. National institutions and agencies such

as the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Afghanistan National Standards Authority

(ANSA), Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL), sectoral trade and investment support

organizations, universities and research institutions, the private sector and non-governmental partners also

contribute to and benefit from various project activities.

Project objectives

The foreseen impact is “enhanced trade and regional integration of Afghanistan as a lever for confidence

building, economic and human development and poverty reduction.” It is through strengthening institutional

capacity to formulate and implement effective trade policies and strategies with a special focus on regional

cooperation, engaging private sector to participate in trade policy reforms and dialogue, and building

sustainable mechanisms to invest in human capital and to ensure local ownership, that this is being advanced. Results expected from the project

National Export Strategy (NES) design

The GIRoA owns a NES and action plan that was developed in a consultative process with the private

sector and has started its implementation.

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The NES analyses the country’s needs, constraints and opportunities (especially in the regional markets)

to provide a well-articulated roadmap to strengthen Afghanistan’s supply and export capacities, implement

trade reforms, identify regional partners and potential investment opportunities and address Small and

Medium Enterprises (SMEs’) knowledge of cross-border procedures.

The NES implementation commences with a focus on quality management, Sanitary and Phytosanitary

(SPS) measures and regional regulatory cooperation:

National public and private stakeholders are enabled to manage and coordinate the implementation of the

NES and mobilize support to implement the validated roadmaps.

Priority interventions identified during the NES design process are implemented to improve regional

integration and international trade competitiveness.

Trade Policy and Facilitation

Capacity building on trade policy: Knowledge-sharing mechanisms for Afghan policymakers on trade policy

and negotiation formulation and implementation are established in partnership with a training institute from

the region. Ove 50 national policymakers will be trained.

National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) strengthening: Institutional mechanisms to facilitate the

implementation of the TFA are operationalized and trained and linked with regional partners.

SME Training: Knowledge of SMEs on how to manage cross-border procedures and compliance with

regional and/or global market requirements is built (building on NES findings to include priority markets).

Consultation process: Public-private consultation processes on most pressing trade, regulatory or

negotiation issues (domestic or regional) are strengthened.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE ACTION

2.1 Project Coordination and Management

The second Project Steering Committee meeting was held in Kabul on 18 July, 2018. ITC presented progress

on all aspects of the project and responded to stakeholder inputs. The year three project workplan was

presented and approved.

A project office in Kabul was maintained to ensure the day-to-day coordination of project implementation. A

local Project Coordinator and Project Administrative Associate coordinated and implemented the project locally

supported by an ITC headquarters team based in Geneva.

During the reporting period four quarterly progress reports snapshots were carried out and shared with

MoIC and EUD for their awareness and feedback. The reports provided a brief summary of progress made for

each output during the past quarter; immediate next steps for the next quarter, and; a full summary of all media

coverage received.

Additionally, and upon the request of H.E. Mr Ajmal Ahmady, the new Minister of Industry and Commerce, five

bi-weekly progress reports were carried out and shared with MoIC for their awareness and feedback. The

reports provided progress on activities within the period, results achieved and areas needed for support /

follow-up on MoIC and other stakeholders.

The project was promoted through extensive media coverage of key events, including at the Geneva

Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan (November 2018); National Quality Policy Consultation (November,

2018); Afghanistan – Kazakhstan stakeholder consultation to enhance trading relations (August 2018), trade

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policy learning initiative (i.e. March, 2019; Afghanistan, WTO and International Trade Programme); Training to

the private sector on the WTO TFA; Start-ups and Emerging Entrepreneurs Network (SEEN) launch (June,

2019), etc.

Over 40 press releases/articles were produced and three project quarterly newsletters produced and

disseminated to approximately 4,500 recipients. The project was also covered widely through social media

forums, including Facebook and Twitter, with coverage highlighting the work of the AAT project during the

Geneva Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan being the most extensive.

The AAT project team coordinated involvement in the Geneva Conference on Afghanistan on 28 November

2018 in which high recognition of the project was obtained (See Box 1).

Four representatives of the AAT project team undertook a mission to Kabul between 7 – 10 April 2019 with the

purpose being to take stock of progress made and next steps under AAT Phase I with key stakeholders

and EU (as well as initiate discussion on AAT Phase II). Key Afghan counterparts (many of which were new in

their positions, including Minister of MoIC, appointment of a new Deputy Minister of Commerce, a new Director

of EPAA, new senior management in ANSA) were familiarised with the work under AAT organisations and

provide their key inputs on future directions. In addition, the mission aimed at continuing the dialogue with the

donor community (including Harakat, USAid, World Bank) and the Ministry of Finance to foster synergies and

coordination among the trade related interventions.

Box 1: Contribution of AAT Project Recognised at the Geneva Conference on Afghanistan

Delegations from 67 countries and 34 international organizations, as well as representatives of civil society,

the private sector and the media attended the Geneva Conference on Afghanistan between 27 to 28

November in Geneva, Switzerland, co-hosted by the Government of Afghanistan and the UN. H.E.

Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, Afghanistan’s President, and UN Secretary-General Guterres delivered keynote

addresses. The goal was to show the solidarity of the international community with the Afghan people and

the government in their effort for peace and prosperity, and for the Afghan Government to reflect the

progress made and renew its commitment to development and reform.

In a meeting on the conference sidelines, Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah thanked Arancha

Gonzales for ITC’s help under the EU funded AAT project to the Afghan Government in trade policy and

strategy formulation and facilitating market access for Afghan products.

He also underscored the significance of these efforts in helping his government to create jobs as well as

develop and promote exports.

There was a session on private sector development, opened by Afghanistan President Ghani and

moderated by Arancha Gonzalez, Executive Director, ITC. Many of the participants in this discussion made

specific mention of AAT initiatives and the support of the EU and ITC, including:

- Kamila Sidiqi, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, extended her thanks to EU/ITC

for the continuous support of the ministry and in the development of the National Export Strategy

(NES), which is the: “Government compass to attract investment, increase export competitiveness,

integrate women and youth and trade, develop connections to value chains and improve the

intuitional and regulatory environment.” She hailed the NES as a: “Product of a year-long

participatory consultation process.”

- She branded the Afghan National Trade Policy as one of the ministry’s key policy achievements.

This important policy document has been endorsed by the Council of Ministers.

- She also mentioned the bilateral public–private dialogues that Afghanistan held with Uzbekistan

and Kazakhstan as a key means to enhance trading relations with neighbouring countries.

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- Atiqullah Nusrat, CEO, Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called the development

of the National Export Strategy the product of genuine public and private collaboration that was

enabled by ITC’s technical assistance, and highlighted the importance of this national document.

He also called for the need for final government endorsement of the Afghanistan National Trade

Policy.

The Geneva Conference on Afghanistan concluded with issuance of a joint communiqué that mentioned the

National Export Strategy as one of the key national documents and called on the Afghan Government to

seize the momentum to implement the document.

Source: Advancing Afghan Trade: EU Trade Related Assistance – Quarterly Newsletter (December 2018

No. 7)

AAT pursued efforts and advisory support to position the National Export Strategy within the economic

and social development framework of the country and within national development priorities. The main

objective was to improve the efficiency of the implementation management framework and secure the level of

support provided by country counterpart organisations to maintain the momentum and therefore influence the

outcome of the process. To do so, AAT worked towards stimulating policy convergence and political cohesion

around the NES so that the strategy becomes a rallying document for trade competitiveness. A number of

trade related National Priority Programs which are being produced by the Afghan Ministries to implement the

priorities decided upon in the ANPDF have been/are being aligned with the NES, including the Ministry of

Mines and Petroleum’s strategy on Marble, MoIC’s industrial park proposal, New National Priority Program on

Private Sector Development, the Comprehensive Agriculture Development National Priority Program (CAD-

NPP) through the Agribusiness Charter (ABC) – which seeks to operationalise the CAD-NPP and the New

National Priority Program on Women Economic Empowerment.

While these NPPs make specific references to the NES and its related components which were further

developed under AAT phase I (including the National Trade Policy, the progresses made in relation to the

WTO agreement on Trade Facilitation as well as the implementation of the SPS related commitments made

in the context of the WTO accession process), consultations between AAT and these initiatives have further

taken place in order to foster their alignment.

ITC has been an active member of the PriSEC Executive Committee providing valuable input to the documents

developed under the auspicious of the Committee. ITC is continuously engaged in the development of the

NPP PSD, providing valuable input on this important policy document and ensuring that ITC’s interventions

under the framework of AAT feed into the NPP PSD, and they are reflected in the implementation plan and the

50/5 reform agenda. ITC also participated in the coordinated consolidation of comments by the EUD and

OECD on the NPP PSD.

As a result, ITC has been added as invited member in the WG2 and WG4 of the PriSEC. In these WGs, ITC

has ensured that AAT’s interventions are part of the 50/5 reform agenda. Some of the AAT interventions that

are now reflected under the key activities of the 50/5 reform implementation plan include: 1) the endorsement

and launch of the ANTP, 2) operationalization of NES implementation and coordination mechanism, 3)

approval of the TFA implementation roadmap by HEC, 4) conducting bilateral PPDs with Afghanistan’s regional

trading partners. Last by not least, ITC has responded positively to the request by the Executive committee to

fund a public awareness campaign for the newly approved Export Procedures. ITC is in the process of finalizing

AAT’s commitment in this regard.

ITC AAT has actively pursued and fostered close donor coordination with our international development

partners. ITC has sought coordination with the World Bank to build synergies regarding the complementarities

between AAT and the Agribusiness Charter/ OMAID project. This coordination has included conducting a

number of meetings and video conferences between the WB and ITC teams in Geneva Kabul. In addition, ITC

has engaged with the WB to ensure they are aware of the progress regarding the future interventions on

business environment and food safety under AAT Phase II. As part of ITC’s attempts to foster coordination,

in April 2019 an ITC mission to Kabul met with development partners including the USAID and Harakat to

further coordinate under AAT and flag the future interventions under the AAT phase II. As part of ITC’s

interventions to develop a roadmap for the food control system in Afghanistan, ITC engaged with donors such

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as USAID, DFID and implementing partners like FAO to seek collaboration regarding the Afghanistan Food

Control System Roadmap.

Synergies were created with another EU funded and ITC implemented project in Afghanistan: the 'Ethical Lifestyle Initiative' (ELI). For interventions focussed on the saffron sector in Herat, AAT worked with ELI to provide complementary interventions in the areas, better know-how on packaging standards to meet international requirements, improved access to finance, strengthening of the saffron quality testing lab and identification of international buyers.

Upon the request of the EU, ITC commenced work on the design of an AAT second phase. This included stakeholder needs analysis and drafting of technical project design documents, including concept note and description of action. Much internal collaboration was undertaken with the ITC house to ascertain required technical response. Further collaborations (distance and in-person) with both EUD Afghanistan and local Afghanistan key stakeholders was undertaken.

A note was prepared to justify and the extension of the project until 31 January, 2020, based upon a number of reasons the project coordination team had identified. Subsequently, discussions were held with both EU and ITC senior management to further process the request.

Output 1: GIRoA owns a national export strategy and action plan that was developed in a consultative process with the private sector, and has started its implementation

Following a yearlong consultative process, the NES of Afghanistan was finalized in early 2018. The NES

identifies six priority sectors with high potential for export growth, employment generation and innovation: dried

fruits and nuts; fresh fruits and vegetables; saffron; marble and granite; carpets; and precious stones and

jewellery. For each of the six, it sets out detailed prioritized actions to tackle bottlenecks that are currently

preventing Afghan private sector from realizing their full export potential. The strategy also targets six cross-

sector functions for improvement: trade facilitation; quality management; skills development; professional

business and services, access to finance, and trade information and promotion.

The NES was endorsed in April 2018 by Afghanistan’s High Economic Council, following earlier approvals by

the Council of Minister and the Executive Committee on Private Sector Development (PRISEC). A launch

event held in June 2018 marked the culmination of the NES design phase and kick-started the NES

implementation phase.

* Output 1 is completed.

Output 2: National public and private stakeholders are enabled to manage and coordinate the implementation of the National Export Strategy and mobilise support to implement the validated roadmaps

The comprehensive Afghanistan NES endeavours to generate the conditions for a favourable expansion of

the country’s export sector and its employment creation to contribute to overall socio-economic development.

However, having finalized this strategy is not enough. There is a definite need to elaborate and coordinate the

various actions required to achieve the targets of the NES. To ensure its success, it is necessary to create the

adequate environment and framework to enable its implementation. The Afghan Ministry of Industry and

Commerce (MoIC) and the EPAA are the focal points for the NES.

To this end, AAT has provided assistance to EPAA to fulfil its role as the NES Secretariat through tailored

capacity-building, advisory support and specialized tools for implementation management techniques. As a

result, EPAA has undertaken responsibilities and implemented activities on matters related to this role, such

as tracking implementation and coordinating with implementing institutions and development partners on NES

implementation. Moreover, AAT has provided technical and advisory support to enable MoIC-EPAA to lead

the discussions on the establishment and formalization of the NES governance structures and the NES

Secretariat. Thereby, MoIC was able to organize the first sector-level technical committee meeting of the NES,

which focused on the saffron sector, in February 2019. Moreover, under AAT's assistance, MoIC-EPAA is

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currently seeking to nest the NES Coordination Mechanism within the NTFC. MoIC-EPAA aims at formalizing

the two-level NES coordination mechanism (i.e. Senior Coordination Board and sector working groups) in the

coming months.

Similarly, AAT aims to strengthen the capacity of AWCCI, as a mechanism to support the continued

development of womens' participation in the economy (NES-Strategy Objective 4) and foster country's exports.

Moreover, AAT seeks to increase AWCCI's ability and competence, in light of its important role as an

implementing agency of NES' activities. To this end, AAT facilitated a self-assisted assessment of AWCCI.

Through this support, AWCCI was able to identify areas for improvement so as to increase its institutional

impact. A proposed intervention plan will be used as a guidance of capacity-building support activities to

AWCCI under AAT.

AAT supported AWCCI in generating business leads and sharing best practises related to management of

women entrepreneurs’ organizations and to business advocacy. Two representatives from AWCCI attended

an ITC flagship event “SheTrades Global” on 26-28 June 2018, Liverpool, UK.1 Over 500 women from across

participated in the event in search of new trade and investment opportunities. The event provided AWCCI with

knowledge on factors for enabling women entrepreneurship to grow.

Finally the project is supporting AWCCI to enhance its communications/advocacy approach.

An interactive strategy management system – Strategy Implementation Management Tool (SIMT) – was

customized to the country’s needs. The SIMT is a tool to increase coordination, create reports and monitor the

progress of implementation of NES’ plans of action activities. It also contributes to improve the synchronization

and alignment of national policies and trade-related technical assistance. AAT supported designated MoIC-

EPAA staff to gain knowledge on functions of the tool and use of the SIMT to coordinate, report and monitor

implementation. As a result, a first phase of interventions’ data collection is complete. The SIMT database

gathers information of major development partners and public and private sector’s activities contributing to

NES implementation (until January 2019). Further, based on reported information to the SIMT, there is positive

evidence of progress in the execution of activities. A significant focus has been placed on improving production

capacities in identified priority sectors, paired with support exporters to increase their presence in international

markets.

Key outcomes: - Awareness raised and initial conditions set towards the operationalization of an adequate governance

structure to build the required collaboration and coordination (between national and sectoral public

and private implementing institutions) to secure NES’ implementation.

- MoIC perceives the NES as an instrument to improve the ability of the country to receive and utilize

Aid-for-Trade: Identifying, prioritizing and allocating resources, including development partners’

outreach, to successfully activate NES implementation.

- Enhanced harmonization of public sector interventions and donors’ support and alignment of TRTA

interventions in the country

- Awareness raised and capacity built to operate an interactive strategy management system to

effectively track NES progress, assess impact, identify gaps and duplications, and measure results.

- TISI Benchmark assessment report and roadmap developed for and submitted for review to AWCCI.

Next steps (until January 2020):

- Support MoIC-EPAA with tailored capacity- building trainings, advisory support and specialized tools

on NES implementation planning, management techniques and resource mobilisation. These will

contribute to:

o Defining and operationalizing an adequate governance structure to build collaboration and

coordination between national and sectoral public and private implementing institutions.

o Further identifying/updating information of projects contributing to NES implementation.

1 This was not reported in second progress report, therefore included here.

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o Updating information of interactive strategy management systems to effectively track progress

and report NES implementation, identify gaps and duplications, and measure results.

o Elaborating the first annual report on NES implementation.

o Identifying, prioritizing and allocating resources, including development partners outreach to

support NES implementation. o One short term staff on 3-4 month contracts to be embedded in EPAA to support NES

coordination

- Institutional strengthening support to AWCCI, immediate steps to be confirmed.

Output 3: Priority interventions identified during the National Export Strategy design process are implemented to improve regional integration and international trade competitiveness

NES priority interventions identified and implemented: The development of the NES design through a stakeholder consultation process was finalised when the document received endorsement by the Government of Afghanistan through its high level decision making body - the High Economic Council, on 3 April, 2018. Accordingly, and as per AAT project design, the project would then further seek to implement some key aspects of the NES during its project lifecycle. AAT is currently implementing recommendations stemming from the NES in two ways:

- This project is contributing to this endeavour by focusing on areas agreed upon during its inception phase (i.e. Trade policy, quality, trade facilitation) within its budget limitation. These agreed interventions will be further continued as per the agreed work plan (see output 3.1, 4, 5, 6,and 7)

- Additionally, under Output 3, AAT will prioritize strengthening the saffron sector’s export competiveness as a pilot project (one key sector for which the NES has developed a detailed action plan). Accordingly, a work plan of activities to be further implemented under project outputs was endorsed by MoIC in May 2018. The following details the support provided in Year 3.

Sub-output 3.1: Quality management – with also a focus on the saffron sector as pilot to reach SMEs

In line with the priorities of the Plan of Action of the NES quality cross function, AAT assisted to strengthen an

enabling trade business environment and supporting the effort to implement some of the TBT and SPS WTO

post accession commitments such as strengthening TBT and SPS National Enquiry Points and National

Notification Authority.

The foundation was further built to improve the national regulatory framework including law on legal metrology,

the national quality policy and regulations; strengthening of core services required for national quality and SPS

institutions such as on standardization and metrology.

AAT prioritised working with the identified key institutions of ANSA, MoIC, MAIL, MoPH in order to build a

strong quality management foundation in Afghanistan. Trainings and events were held to raise awareness and

enhance understanding on standardization and technical regulations in Kabul and Herat, including the private

sector.

A number of missions and trainings took place in Afghanistan and abroad showcasing different models on food

safety control systems and a concept note on food safety control system was developed to provide further

guidance on the establishment of the system. The workshop on EU Food Safety Control System &

Requirements for Import of Agro and Agro-processed Products was very welcomed by the private sector and

participants made a request to replicate and further continue this initiative.

Short term outcomes:

- The framework that reflects clear functions of the National Quality Infrastructure (National Quality

Policy) had been finalized and discussed with relevant stakeholders,

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- ANSA endorsed its ANSA 2019-2023 Strategic Plan and operational plan following close consultation

with its senior management and staff. ANSA has demonstrated a stronger leadership in this process.

- The Legal Metrology Law, fundamental for ensuring the metrology service in the country, is at the final

stage of endorsement along with two regulations and capacity was built of ANSA head of metrology

department.

- ANSA metrology laboratory and its equipment for both industrial and legal metrology were made

operational through in-depth hands-on training and coaching of the staff and with provision of

Standards Operating Procedures (SOPs), manuals and certificates.

- Awareness was raised on standardization and technical regulations among public and private

stakeholders and more knowledge enhanced of the government officials through a number of trainings.

- The staff of the National Enquiry Points (NEP) on TBT and SPS as well as the National Notification

Authority (NNA) have better understanding of the TBT and SPS Agreements and application of the

transparency provisions; their capacity to deliver services is improved and are now equipped with

Standards Operating Procedures (SOPs). Draft notifications were prepared and were ready for

submission to the WTO.

- The National Technical Committees on TBT and SPS were established and the 1st meeting of the

TBT Committee took place.

- Knowledge on quality management system and auditing techniques for ISO 9001 was improved

through training at ANSA for its staff and through the Lead Auditor Course in India for different

government officials and private sector. Two officials obtained certificates for lead auditors in ISO

9001.

- Broader understanding on food safety and about the functions of a food control system required to

support trade was made among the key institutions. A delegation of 9 officials were showcased

practices of food control system applied in India and at international level. A Concept Note has been

developed providing guidance on strengthening the food control system followed by large

consultations in the country for the development of a road map for implementation.

- More than 60 stakeholders with majority from private sector such as processors and traders improved

awareness of EU’s import requirements for agro-food products.

- A publication was developed to build awareness on saffron and mandatory requirements, standards

and market preferences applied by the major export markets; the publication is available on line and

was distributed locally in English and in Dari.

- More than 30 saffron stakeholders of the saffron sector improved understanding of packaging

requirements and on testing capacities related to saffron. A study on testing equipment was compiled

and recommendations provided to install them in Afghanistan.

Next steps (until January 2020)

- Conduct an assessment of the capacity and needs of the testing laboratories for saffron, fruits &

vegetables (fresh and dried) according to requirements of the EU and international standards.

- Support the adoption of the legal metrology law and regulations and monitor operationalisation of the

metrology laboratory.

- Endorsement of the NQP and development of its plan of action.

- Support the promotional campaign and kick off the implementation of ANSA strategy and operational

plan.

- Development of the road map on strengthening food safety system in close coordination with

stakeholders.

- Monitor the operationalisation of the TBT and SPS NEP and NNA by applying the related procedures

and provision of equipment.

Sub-output 3.2: Building performance: EPAA

Further, in 2018, AAT launched an initiative to support the improvement of EPAA’s managerial, operational and service delivery performance. ITC assessed EPAA across four core areas: leadership and direction, resources and processes, products and service delivery, and measurement and results. The resulting report (or roadmap) has given EPAA has a better understanding of its institutional strengths and weaknesses, and suggests activities for improvement. The new Director of EPAA has endorsed the report and helped to prioritise areas for action. In discussion with the Director of EPAA and the Deputy Minister, urgency was placed on confirming a mandate for EPAA and clarifying its operating framework (including developing important core documents) to reflect best practice. This support is important to strengthen EPAA and give it a clear strategic

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direction, given its increasingly critical role in implementing the MoIC’s export promotion plan which targets exports of $2b by 2022.

Short term outcomes

- Trade and Investment Support Institutions (TISI) Benchmark assessment report and roadmap developed for EPAA.

- EPAA assessment endorsed. - EPAA agreement on next steps.


- Support EPAA and MoIC in clarifying and articulating an operating framework for efficiency and

effectiveness.

- Support MoIC-EPAA with tailored, advisory support based on the conclusions of ITC-facilitated self-

assessment reports.

Sub-output 3.3: Increase access to finance for Afghan SMEs in the saffron sector

To facilitate access to finance for SMEs in the Saffron sector, the project has partnered with Afghan National

Saffron Union (ANSGU) to provide financial literacy, business plans development and match making to

financial solutions. The support to SMEs will be provided by five national experts who have received the first

training on 22-23 June 2019 in Herat to become Financial Management Counsellors (FMCs). The project

has developed and translated in Dari the training and coaching material and tools that FMCs will use to

assist SMEs.

Through the partnership ANSGU will conduct a feasibility study for a seedbank.

Short term outcomes

- ANSGU has been partnered with and empowered to assist its member SMEs improve their competitiveness and access to finance.

- Five FMCs have been trained to train and coach SMEs in financial literacy and business plan development.

- Material and tools in Dari have been provided to FMCs to support SMEs.


- Assist ANSGU to contract FMCs and assign SMEs for trainings and coaching.

- Organise a second training for FMCs.

- Monitor the trainings and coaching delivered and business plans developed by FMCs.

- Connect SMEs with bankable business plans to appropriate funding sources identified.

Sub-output 3.4: Support to “Start-ups and Emerging Entrepreneurs Network” (SEEN) and “young

agripreneurship” in the saffron sector

SEEN’s purpose, is to support Afghan start-ups by providing a platform to start-ups, organizations supporting

them but also youth to be exposed to potential role models and finally advocate for a more conducive

business environment in Afghanistan for young start-uppers.

AAT is supporting this through implementation of targeted activities and advisory services that started in

October 2018 by having an assisted self-assessment of SEEN (by remote via benchmarking platform) in

order to identify priority areas to strengthen in this association. This could be done via an Institutional

strengthening workshop conducted for SEEN founding members based on priority areas identified through

the benchmarking results. Support was provided to assist SEEN in defining the association’s purpose,

governance framework, strategy, service portfolio and partnerships. Priorities include organizing the launch

event of the network, conduct a survey of entrepreneurs and start-ups in five major economic hubs of

Afghanistan (Kabul, Mazar, Nangarhar, Herat, Kandahar); conduct a membership campaign with talks to

potential members.

Short term outcomes

14

- SEEN was officially launched on 15 June in Kabul. The launch was key to ensure widespread awareness on SEEN and its ambitions, and AAT/EU support thereof. Over 250 participants attended and there was a strong media coverage.

- Some initiatives to support young startupers were already endorsed by the President of Afghanistan (tax relief, access to land at a preferential rate, ostentation of small loans for young entrepreneurs) – supporting documentation can be shared upon request.


- Conduct a start-up/entrepreneurs survey - Conduct a membership campaign towards potential SEEN members - Identify training partners in Herat region for the saffron sector - Plan business and technical training programme for July 2019 period towards young

entrepreneurs in the saffron sector

Output 4: Knowledge sharing mechanisms for GIRoA staff on trade policy/negotiation formulation and implementation are established in partnership with a training institute from the region

This output has been supporting the implementation of the NES Trade Information and Promotion as well as

Trade Facilitation trade support functions.

Afghanistan, WTO and International Trade Programme – Intake 2

A second intake of 20 Afghan officials benefited from successfully completing a 7 month “Afghanistan, WTO

and International Trade Programme”. The initiative built the capacity of participants in the area of trade policy

formulation and implementation - with a particular focus on WTO agreements and their implementation,

including in the Afghan context. The programme was implemented by the Delhi based Centre for WTO studies

(CWS), following a partnership agreement signed between MoIC, CWS and AAT in March 2017

Under the programme, the participants – comprising 20 officials from MoIC and academics from Kabul

University completed four week long trainings and one study tour as follows:

- Introductory Training, 27 – 31 August, 2018;

- First Advanced Training, 22-26 October, 2018;

- Second Advanced Training, 17-21 December, 2018

- Third Advanced Training, 11-15 March 2019

- Study Tour, 18 - 22 March, 2019

All participants were regularly tested and successfully passed and thus were each awarded a certificate of

completion at the end of the programme. In short the subjects covered included:

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Additionally the training programme included a study tour, whereby the participants had the opportunity to engage with key Ministries/organisations involved in trade policy formulation, implementation, trade negotiations and trade promotion in India. Participants were divided into four groups and each group spent three days at four different Indian institutions, allocated on the basis of their area of interest and work.

Follow-up evaluation of the intake 1 & 2

A follow-up evaluation of the two intakes of 20 participants each was also carried out to complete the

“Afghanistan, WTO and International Trade Programme”. It aimed to assess participant views on how they

benefited from the training. Participants responded to following key questions as follows:

Question Indicators: strongly disagree (1); disagree (2); neutral

(3); agree (4); strongly agree (5)

Intake 1 Intake 2

Participation in this kind of training is very

useful for my job.

4.8 (Average) 4.8 (Average)

The learning outcomes of the training are

very beneficial to my work.


Why countries trade? Introduction to WTO TRIMS Agreement

Advanced WTO and FTAs

Introduction to Trade Data Sources and Analysis

Introduction to Trade Litigation Advanced Trade Litigation

Introduction to WTO and Free Trade Agreements

Advanced Trade Data Sources and Analysis

Policy Flexibilities under WTO

Afghanistan in World Trade Market Access and Trade Composition

Advanced WTO TRIPS Agreement

Introduction to Basic Provisions of GATT

Afghanistan's WTO Commitments and FTAs

New Issues: Electronic Commerce

Introduction to WTO Agreement on Agriculture

Advanced WTO Agreement on Agriculture

New Issues: Investment Facilitation

Introduction to WTO SPS and TBT Agreements

Advanced Basic Provisions of GATT

Negotiating Strategies

Introduction to Trade Remedies Advanced Trade Remedies New Issues: MSME and Gender

Introduction to GATS Advanced WTO TBT Agreement Regulatory Impact Assessment

Introduction to WTO TRIPS Agreement

Advanced WTO SPS Agreement Recent Developments in International Trade

Role of Research and Stakeholders Consultations

Advanced GATS and Services Agreements in FTAs

Study Tour

16

After the training, I know substantially more

about the training contents than before


I have already successfully managed to

apply the training contents in my everyday

work.


The expertise gained through the training

sessions has opened up new professional

opportunities or areas of

interest/development.


My performance in some areas of my work

has improved through the application of the

training contents.

4.1 (Average)

4.8 (Average)

Participants, further indicated what they liked most about the training, including: Comprehensive training

method; good material; excellent presentation; visits to the relevant agencies; practical exercises; very useful

in particular GATT and extraction of trade data; training was well formulated to keep it in the institutional

memory while also providing the opportunity to use it in the daily chores and perform well; Use of Indian

experience in participating in multilateral trading system; comprehensive content (gained lots of knowledge on

WTO and its agreements); content was relevant for Afghanistan and the WTO post commitments.

Kabul University teaching of Afghanistan, WTO and International Trade Programme

As part of the programme, Kabul University benefited from CWS mentoring to develop a curriculum on trade

policies and international trade. Kabul University has developed the structure and accompanying curriculum

for a course "Afghanistan, WTO and International Trade" that commenced in April, 2019, being taught at the

Kabul University to over 130 year four students in the faculty of economics. The course provides a

comprehensive overview and a detailed understanding of various aspects relating to international trade. It

covers topics from the economic, policy and legal perspectives. It is the first of its kind public university training

on WTO in Afghanistan. Students completing the programme will be a better equipped resource to the

government.

Short term outcomes

- 20 participants (second intake):

o Were rapidly familiarized with international trade regulation and the world trading system

(particular WTO) and informed of the global picture and objectives of a trade policy in the context

of Afghanistan's wider regional and development objectives.

o Developed proficient professional knowledge of the core staff in charge of trade policy

formulation/implementation so that they perform tasks in their respective functions, administrations

and governments.

o Were exposed to wide-range of organisations involved in the trade policy formulation,

implementation, negotiation, trade promotion and advocacy.

- Sustainability through local ownership and expertise at Kabul University developed to implement home-

grown curriculum.

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- Summary report of second intake to complete programme.

- Potential final activities to be discussed and agreed upon during the 3rd PSC meeting.

OUTPUT 5: Institutional mechanisms to facilitate the implementation of the TFA are established at national level and linked with regional partners

This output has been supporting the implementation of the NES Trade Facilitation trade support functions

since the outset of the project.

At the time of developing the project, the activities in this output focussed on establishing and operationalizing

Afghanistan’s National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC), the establishment of which is a mandatory

requirement of the WTO TFA. However, by the time the project started, Afghanistan had already established

a NTFC in the form of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on WTO and TF (IMCWTF). The institutional

arrangements governing the committee (such as terms of reference, membership, governance, timetable etc.),

which the project was designed to implement, were already in place.

In this context, AAT’s trade facilitation experts – in close collaboration with national stakeholders - revisited the

project’s activities and designed new interventions to maximize the project’s impact in the country. These new

interventions aim to i) support the operationalization of the IMCWTF, ii) enhance capacity of its members, iii)

build consensus on the categorization and implementation timelines of the TFA obligations through public-

private dialogues (i.e. within IMCWTF), iv) support Afghanistan to officially notify its TFA commitments to the

WTO v) build capacity of the private sector to effectively advocate for TF reforms and to benefit from TFA

implementations, and vi) Facilitate the exchange of best-practices with other NTFC in the region. These

activities have been detailed below and are accompanied by a description of progress made during the

reporting period.

Activity 5.1: Support the implementation of the WTO TFA through technical advisory services to

IMCWTF and other government agencies

Building upon the categorization recommendations and the 10-year trade facilitation implementation plan

developed in 2017 and 2018, the Action provided additional advisory services to MoIC with regards to the

implementation of the TFA during the current reporting period.

- ITC provided advisory services to MoIC to refine the IMCWTF trade facilitation roadmap taking into

consideration private sector priorities for cross-border reforms. In late June 2018, ITC and ACCI

organized a five-day workshop with private sector representatives to review the IMCWTF

recommendations for trade facilitation reforms timelines. Building upon the results of this workshop,

ITC drafted a technical note – shared with MoIC in July 2018 – to reflect the views of the business

community in the IMCWTF trade facilitation roadmap.

- ITC supported the Government of Afghanistan to ensure consistency between Afghanistan Customs

Department’s (ACD) Five Year Strategic Plan for customs modernization and the TFA implementation

plan agreed upon by the IMCWTF. Following the prioritization and sequencing workshop held in May

2018, it emerged that the ACD had included the implementation of the TFA as one of its key strategic

objective and set deadlines for the implementation of remaining category B and C commitments.

However, the ACD timelines for trade facilitation reforms - reflected in the Five Year Strategic Plan -

did not factor the reforms required by other border regulatory agencies (e.g. MoIC, MAIL, ACCI) to

achieve compliance with TFA requirements. In this context, ITC conducted a comparative analysis of

the IMCWTF and ACD trade facilitation plan to identify the potential discrepancies in implementation

timelines and developed a concept note - shared with MoIC – to facilitate the convergence of the two

documents.

- The national trade facilitation roadmap developed by the IMCWTF with the technical assistance of

AAT has been submitted to the HEC . Once approved it can be used as a basis for notification of the

implementation timelines of the TFA obligations.

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- To supplement the national trade facilitation roadmap, AAT has developed and shared with MoIC a

draft of the instrument for the official notification of implementation timelines to the WTO.

- Finally, it is important to note that AAT is supporting the Government of Afghanistan to operationalize

the national trade facilitation roadmap. One of the priority area of intervention highlighted in the NES

and the roadmap relates to the availability of information on cross-border formalities. In this context,

AAT is assisting the government of Afghanistan to establish a trade facilitation portal compliant with

Article 1.2 of the WTO TFA since December 2018. Detailed information on this initiative is available

under Output 6.

Activity 5.2: Support the capacity building and operationalization of IMCWTF and other public sector

agencies to implement the WTO TFA

- Throughout the project intervention, AAT put an emphasis on building the capacity of national

stakeholders (IMCWTF members in particular) on the WTO TFA. By raising the understanding of

representatives of public and private organization, AAT ensured that the IMCWTF discussions were

informed and that recommendations were rooted into in-depth comprehension of Afghanistan

commitments under the TFA. As of end of May 2019, over 400 representatives from public and private

institutions (Members to the IMCWTF) were trained on the TFA.

- Finally, and upon request of the MoIC, AAT has developed a concept note to emphasise the role that

MoIC should play in the operationalisation of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for WTO and Trade

Facilitation (IMCWTF). By maintaining a leading role in the work of the IMCWTF, MoIC has an

opportunity to champion reforms across all border regulatory agencies and to implement Afghanistan’s

national trade facilitation roadmap effectively.

Activity 5.3: Increase awareness of private stakeholders on the TFA and their ability to contribute to

TFA related Public Private Dialogue (PPD within the IMCWTF and other fora)

- The WTO TFA is an important tool for economies to improve their business environment. For

businesses, especially for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), operationalizing the TFA is a

path to internationalization, which will allow them to access international value chains at lower cost

and at greater speeds. And SMEs can most benefit from the TFA by having a sound understanding of

how the new procedures and requirements will complement their business priorities. Like other WTO

agreements, the degree to which the intended benefits of the TFA can be actually realized will depend

upon how it is implemented in national law and practice. While implementation is the primary

responsibility of the WTO members, businesses play a critical role in the consultative process to advise

authorities as to how the TFA is best applied in the national environment.

- In this context, AAT developed a 2 day training module aimed at assisting Afghan businesses to

understand the terms, potential benefits and practical use of each of the technical measures of the

new Agreement and to equip them to successfully contribute to the design, implementation and

monitoring of the TFA in Afghanistan, notably through the IMCWTF.

This training module consists of one training manual, 4 half-day training sessions and 4 worksheets

with practical exercises and case studies. All the material has been translated in Dari and Pashto to

ensure it is easily understandable by local businesses.

- To ensure a wide outreach of this training program, AAT signed a MoU with the Afghanistan Chamber

of Commerce and Industry that entered into force in March 2019. Under this MoU, AAT equipped 7

representatives from ACCI with the necessary technical and pedagogical skills to deliver the 2 days

training module autonomously during a training-of-trainer workshop in Istanbul. ACCI committed to

organize 6 events towards the private sector in Kabul and provinces.

- ACCI has delivered three private sector workshops in Kabul, Herat and Kandahar in April 2019,

reaching out to more than 120 business’ representatives across the country.

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Activity 5.4: Structure and facilitate a regional network of (existing) NTFC to encourage experience

sharing as well as a coordinated and harmonized approach towards the implementation of the TFA

- The establishment of a national trade facilitation committee (NTFC) is a binding requirement under the

WTO TFA (i.e. article 23.2). Therefore, all WTO Members have taken steps to create a public-private

platform to facilitate the coordination and the implementation of the TFA reforms (in Afghanistan, the

Government fulfilled Article 23.2 requirement by establishing the Inter-Ministerial Committee for WTO

and Trade Facilitation). This momentum creates an opportunities for countries to share lessons-learnt

and best practices and to the extent possible, to coordinate their efforts at the regional level.

- In this context, AAT organized a training / study tour of 6 Afghan delegates to Tajikistan in December

2018 to build their capacity on the establishment and operationalization of the Trade Facilitation Portal

in Tajikistan. The Afghanistan delegation could learn from the successful experience of the Ministry of

Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan in developing a Trade Facilitation Portal.

Key outcomes

- Capacity of the IMCWTF Members was enhanced on the WTO TFA and on the role of the national

trade facilitation committee (i.e. IMCWTF)

- The IMCWTF categorized their commitments under the TFA as per the WTO requirements (Articles

15 and 16)

- The IMCWTF categorization recommendations were endorsed by the High Economic Council.

- The Government of Afghanistan officially notified its categorization decision to the WTO.

- The IMCWTF prioritized and sequenced the implementation of TFA obligations as per the WTO

requirements (Article 16 of the TFA).

- A national trade facilitation roadmap was developed taking into consideration IMCWTF prioritization

and sequencing recommendation based on a cost-benefit analysis and taking into consideration ACD

Five-Year Strategic Plan for Customs Modernization.

- The trade facilitation roadmap was presented and discussed with private sector representatives to

ensure its consistency with business requirements for enhanced cross-border efficiency.

- The national Trade Facilitation roadmap was approved by the High Economic Council.

- A draft notification instrument was developed for Afghanistan to officially inform the WTO about the

implementation timelines of its obligations under the TFA.

- Advisory services were provided to encourage a stronger MoIC leadership within the IMCWTF.

- Over 120 business representatives were trained on the WTO TFA in Kabul, Herat and Kandahar.


- The Government of Afghanistan officially notifies its TFA implementation timelines to the TF

Committee under the WTO.

- 50 additional private sector representatives are trained to benefit from TF reforms and to effectively

advocate for an improved cross-border environment.

- Selected representatives of the IMCWTF participate to the regional NTFC Forum in India to exchange

best-practices with neighbouring countries.

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Output 6: SME knowledge of how to manage national cross-border procedures and compliance with regional and/or global market requirements is built encompassing priority markets (building on NES findings)

This output has been supporting the implementation of the NES since the outset of the project.

The interventions foreseen under this output were geared towards the development of an export management

curriculum to build private sector capacity to comply with Afghanistan and destination markets procedural

requirements. The activities initially planned included: 1) Development of Export Management Guides for

selected priority products identified in NES, 2) Building upon the guides, development of an export

management curriculum for SMEs, 3) Delivery of the export management curriculum by local trainers trained

by AAT.

AAT planned interventions were premised on the validation of the Export Management Guides by local

stakeholders. Indeed, the export management curriculum was supposed to draw from the technical content of

the Export Management Guides to build private sector capabilities on specific export formalities in Afghanistan.

However, due to ongoing reforms of Afghanistan export procedures, AAT could not obtain a formal validation

of the export management guides by national stakeholders thus jeopardizing the delivery of other activities

under this output (i.e. starting with the dissemination of Export Management Guides). This challenge was

raised at the AAT second Project Steering Committee in July 2018. In this context, AAT - in close coordination

with local stakeholders - decided to review its activities and find alternative means to reach the overarching

objectives of Output 6 notwithstanding the approval of the Export Management Guides. Thus, AAT introduced

two new activities under Output 6 whose objectives and rational are described in the textboxes below:

Activity 6.2 (NEW) – Establish and operationalize a trade facilitation portal in Afghanistan compliant with the requirements of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (Article 1.2)

A trade facilitation portal is an online platform that provides step-by-step description of import, export and transit formalities. It includes all the documents, fees, charges, delays and procedural requirements stemming from each border regulatory agencies. It also document the laws, regulations and administrative procedures in relation to international trade.

The establishment of a trade facilitation portal is a binding requirement under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The IMCWTR (i.e. TFA implementation roadmap), the national export strategy and Working Group 4 under PriSec have identified the establishment of this online platform as a priority reform.

Experiences from other countries (i.e. Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh) have demonstrated that trade facilitation portals contribute to raise understanding of business on cross-border formalities and is instrument in enhancing SMEs compliance with trade requirements

Thus, this new activity is consistent with output 6 objectives; it strengthens Afghanistan compliance with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement obligations, it builds upon the recommendations issued by IMCWTF under output 5 and it contributes to the implementation of the NES as well as PriSec reform agenda.

21

The activities delivered under output 6 are detailed below and are accompanied by a description of progress

made to date.

Activity 6.1 (OLD) – Develop, Publish and disseminate National Trade Procedure Guides for SMEs and

entrepreneur on priority import/export sector

- AAT developed and published five National Trade Procedure Guides covering the following product

groups: Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Saffron, Dried Fruits and Nuts, Carpets and Handicrafts. The

product groups were selected based on the priority sectors identified in the Afghanistan National

Export Strategy. Each of the Guides cover the following topics: sectorial analysis, step-by-step export

processes (by air and ground transport), destination specific requirements, export support facilities

and samples of the forms and documents required to complete an international trade operation.

- The Guides were developed in close collaboration with public and private stakeholders and notably

representatives from the relevant business associations and border regulatory agencies. However,

due to ongoing reforms of Afghanistan export procedures, AAT could not obtain a formal validation of

the Guides from local stakeholders since end of 2017.

- The five National Trade Procedure Guides have been edited, formatted, translated into Pashto and

published as drafts. As of today, the Guides haven’t been printed and disseminated as they lack the

official validation from local stakeholders (this issue had been raised during the 2nd Project Steering

Committee meeting).

Activity 6.2 (NEW) – Establish and operationalize a trade facilitation portal in Afghanistan compliant

with the requirements of the WTO TFA (Article 1.2)

- In November and December 2018, AAT (in collaboration with UNCTAD) established the Afghanistan

National Trade Facilitation Portal. This portal builds upon ITC/UNCTAD experience in over 15

countries in assisting countries to enhance the transparency of cross-border formalities and to comply

with WTO requirements. The Afghanistan National Trade Facilitation Portal is available at the following

URL: http://afghanistan.tradeportal.org

Activity 6.3 (NEW) – Design and implement an Export Management Coaching Programme for SMEs in Afghanistan

The objective of this new initiative is to provide on-the-job coaching services to 24 SMEs to improve their export management practices. Each coaching mission will target one SME and consists of 5 days of on-the-job advisory services delivered over a 5 to 10 weeks period.

The objectives of each coaching mission will be to:

- Assess SMEs export management practices - Formulate recommendations to improve SMEs compliance with export requirements - Follow-up and facilitate the implementation of recommendations - Build capacity of SME staff through trainings and information sharing A network of national Export Management Coaches (EMCs) are responsible for providing on-the-job coaching services to SMEs. The Export Management Coaches are selected based on their record of accomplishment in successfully managing export operations from Afghanistan.

ITC will build the capacity of EMCs to provide on-the-job coaching services to SMEs in the area of export management through a train-the-coach methodology:

- Provision of an “On-the-job coaching manual” - Organization of a one-week training for the EMC - Participation to one on-the-job coaching mission led by an international expert

http://afghanistan.tradeportal.org/

22

- With a view to build national capabilities to operate and maintain the Afghanistan National Trade

Facilitation Portal beyond the project life, AAT organized a one-week training for six Afghan

representatives in Dushanbe (19 to 23 November 2018). The objective of this training was to build the

capacity of Afghanistan stakeholders on the use of the portal as well as on the data collection

methodology. In addition, this training allowed Afghanistan representatives to learn from Tajikistan

best practices in establishing and operating a similar Trade Facilitation Portal (see under output 5)

- From January 2019 onward, two AAT consultants - trained during the regional Portal workshop in

Dushanbe (see above) - have been documenting 10 export procedures in the Afghanistan trade

facilitation portal. They have visited all border regulatory agencies involved in the export of Saffron,

Handicraft, Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Dried Fruits and Nuts and Carpets to collect relevant

information (i.e. contact persons, documentation requirements, supporting laws, regulations and

administrative procedures, fees and charges, average processing time….). Whenever possible, ITC

built upon the export procedure guides to fast track the collection and mapping of export formalities in

the Trade Facilitation Portal.

- In May 2019, AAT has developed a concept note on TF Portal governance structure and is now waiting

for MoIC guidance on the institutional anchorage of the Portal team within MoIC.

Activity 6.3 (NEW) – Design and implement an On-the-job SME Coaching Programme for SMEs on

Export Management in Afghanistan

- From July to December 2018, AAT developed an SME Coaching Manual through regular consultations

with Afghan businesses. The objective of the coaching manual is to act as a toolkit for Export

Management Coaches that will be delivering on-the-job advisory services to SMEs. It provides a

comprehensive methodology on how to assist SMEs in improving their export management practices.

The coaching manual is tailored to the specific challenges encountered by SMEs in Afghanistan and

covers 40 frequently faced problems met by local businesses in the areas of: Packaging & Labelling,

Mandatory Certifications/Registrations & Buyer Standards, Customs & Duties, International Shipping

by Sea & Air Freight, Export Planning & Pro Forma Invoice. The SME coaching manual has been

translated into Dari and Pashto.

- In December 2018, AAT organized a regional Export Management Coach (EMCs) training in Colombo,

Sri Lanka. The objective of this workshop was to build the capacity of the Afghan EMCs on the on-the-

job coaching methodology as well as on the use of the above mentioned SME Coaching Manual. The

workshop was held in Sri Lanka to allow Afghan representatives to learn from the experiences of Sri

Lankan Export Management Coaches and to join them in their coaching missions in Sri Lankan SMEs.

As a matter of fact, under another EU funded project, AAT launched a similar initiative in Sri Lanka in

late 2017. By bringing Afghan representatives to Colombo, the project could build synergies among

EU funded initiatives in the SAARC region and expose Afghan coaches to practical example of SME

coaching practices.

- From January 2019 onward, the project has initiated 13 SME coaching missions and completed 7 of

them. The SMEs selected to benefit from the SME coaching were identified in the priority sectors

covered in the NES. The project endeavours, whenever possible, to deliver SME coaching sessions

to women-led businesses.

Short term outcomes:

- Five National Trade Procedure Guides have been developed, edited, formatted, translated into Pashto

and published

- A National Trade Facilitation Portal compliant with the requirements of the WTO TFA has been

established and operationalized.

- The capacity of national stakeholders to operate and maintain the National Trade Facilitation Portal

have been enhanced to ensure the sustainability of the initiative.

23

- 10 export procedures are being mapped / documented in the National Trade Facilitation Portal.

- Recommendations towards the institutional setup and governance structure of the National Trade

Facilitation Portal have been developed and shared with the MoIC.

- A network of 9 local Export Management Coaches was established and trained to deliver on-the-job

advisory services to SMEs with a view to improve their compliance with trade requirements.

- An SME Coaching Manual tailored to the challenges frequently faced by SMEs has been developed

and translated in Dari and Pashto to standardize and harmonize the on-the-job coaching services

provided by Export Management Coaches to Afghan businesses.

- 7 SMEs have benefited from on-the-job coaching services delivered by local Export Management

Coaches with strong impact on SMEs daily operations. Verbatim from Iqbal Bahadori: “It’s very

beneficial program for our standardization and to be professional in our daily activities and export

business. Through this program now we understand the values of export planning and checklist as we

never had before and we can develop both. The program was very useful and knowledgeable

especially in the areas of Packaging & labelling, custom procedures, transportation methods,

preparing invoice and other related activities.”

- 6 additional SME coaching missions are ongoing.


- Finalize the mapping / documentation of the 10 export formalities in the National Trade Facilitation

Portal.

- Finalize the institutional setup and governance structure of the National Trade Facilitation Portal in

close coordination with MoIC and the IMCWTF.

- Organize a “soft launch for the portal” with Members of the IMCWTF.

- Finalize the 6 ongoing SME coaching missions.

- Organize an additional 11 coaching missions for Afghan SMEs.

Output 7: Public-private consultation process on domestic/regional key pressing trade policy/regulatory/negotiation issues is strengthened

Bilateral stakeholder consultations

Upon the request of the Afghanistan Government, the AAT project has since 2017 supported promoting

Afghanistan’s regional trade with the selected neighbouring countries of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. For both

high-level government, agreement on all sides was obtained on the initiatives purpose – that is, to bring

together regularly key government and business stakeholders drawn from these countries to deliberate on how

to tackle specific obstacles to trading, exploit opportunities, promote investment and create business linkages.

The AAT project undertook significant measures to sensitize all key stakeholders to the initiative, garner their

support as well as build working relationships and trust between the countries.

So as to better inform the consultations, at the outset two evidenced based policy recommendations papers

were carried out seeking to identify barriers and issues which affect trade between Afghanistan and

Uzbekistan/Kazakhstan and issue recommendations to address these issues. Additionally the Afghanistan

Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) were supported to advocate their interests, chiefly through the

development of position papers. Consequently Afghan delegations comprising government and private sector

24

representatives2 came to the two major stakeholder consultations supported so far under the initiative well

informed (with and Uzbekistan on 20 June 2018 and Kazakhstan on 3 August 2018).

Both meetings enabled the nurturing bilateral economic relations, well-informed deliberations on a range of

trade and investment-related issues and plan ahead on how best to tackle. Additionally in the case of

Kazakhstan, a session provided an opportunity for businessmen/women of both countries to make contacts

and seek potential future deals. Following both meetings, joint official minutes were drafted reflecting the main

points of consensus and were officially signed by both sides (ministerial level).

Post the meetings, AAT/MoIC collaborated to further progress on issues and take stock of progress. Technical

support was provided. Some of the main advancement were as follows:

- Facilitated the process of unilateral preference granting by Uzbekistan of Most-favored nation (MFN)

treatment to Afghan imports. This preference means that a large swath of Afghan products are entitled

to receive lower tariff rate than before to access the Uzbek market. Additionally, unlike under WTO

rules, “MFN” status in Uzbekistan is accorded only to a relatively limited number of countries. These

include, among others, China, all EU countries, India, Iran, Japan, Pakistan, Turkey, and the United

States. This means that Afghanistan has a comparative advantage over many countries in its region

when exporting to Uzbekistan. Immediately MoIC has begun sensitizing local stakeholders of the

preference and increased trading opportunities, including a mission to Mazar in late January, 2019. In

addition, ACCI is now looking into widely publicizing the MFN status to the business community in

order to ensure maximum utilization of this opportunity vailed. However, it was recently reported that

this MFN treatment is not entirely implemented by Uzbekistan. This issue is to be taken up during the

next public private dialogue to be held in Tashkent on 16 July 2019 (see below).

- A proposal by Uzbekistan to establish a special Frontier Trade Zone on the basis of “Termez Cargo

Center” specifically for Afghan traders. Afghanistan supports the initiative and has since responded

with their views, supported by technical assistance from the AAT project. At the request of MoIC, and

in order to inform a decision to be made by the High Economic Council to pursue the negotiations with

Uzbekistan, an assessment was made of the potential economic implications for Afghanistan of

developing a Frontier Trade Zone with Uzbekistan. The proposal has been submitted to the Afghan

Ministry of Finance (MoF) and is now being considered by that Ministry to determine the next steps. It

has also been shared with the Afghan private sector for consultation.

- Building confidence and trust between public and private sector stakeholders in the region through

regular interaction / dialogue. This is highly significant given a history of mistrust and lack of

communication channels on trade. As a result of the first consultation held in Tashkent, the Uzbek

authorities invested in a high level delegation visit of Kabul in early July 2018 (led by Minister of Foreign

Affairs) during which the discussion on the same issues could continue and further progress were

made. Moreover, in the run up of the second PPD with Uzbekistan (scheduled for 16 July 2019), a

number of preparatory visits of MoIC team took place in Tashkent and Termez in the course of June

(and early July) 2019.

- A proposal by Uzbekistan to enter into a Free Trade Agreement with Afghanistan was received by

MoIC. AAT analysed the proposal and submitted its findings to government to inform further decision-

making.

- Review of high transit fees applied by Uzbekistan to Afghan traders. The issue gained traction and

was followed up on the side-lines of CAREC Ministerial conference. In order to come to a conclusion,

2 Comprising amongst the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC), Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Agriculture Irrigation and

Livestock, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, Afghanistan Railway Authority, Da Afghanistan Bank and important private sector actors, including Afghanistan Chamber of Industries and Mines and Afghanistan Women Chamber of Commerce and Industries and traders.

25

it will likely be discussed in presence of traders, logistic companies and officials from both countries

during the next bilateral discussion under the AAT project.

- Negotiations for a car assembly investment project in Afghanistan were triggered. The Uzbek company

SKD has submitted a business plan for investment in Afghanistan and that proposal is now being

reviewed by Ministry of Finance, Afghanistan. In the meantime, the proposal has been shared with

potential Afghan investors (local partners) who are now conducting their analysis of the proposal.

- Direct channel of communication with the Minister of Foreign Trade Uzbekistan for submitting specific

problems faced by the Afghan exporters/investors

- It was further confirmed that 97 products are subject to preferential treatment by Kazakhstan – Eurasia

Customs Union, a key issue identified in the first PPD meeting.

- Agreement between governments of Kazakhstan, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan to commence

negotiations on a trilateral transit agreement between these countries. The Uzbek and Kazakh sides

are currently reviewing the draft trilateral transit agreement (Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan)

provided by Afghanistan including their inputs on the annexes thereof. There is likely to be a future

meeting held to further negotiate and agree-upon this agreement.

Afghanistan National Trade Policy (ANTP; 2019 – 2023).

Throughout the most part of 2017/2018 the project supported MoIC to draft an ANTP. During this period the

policy document undertook several rounds of drafting and internal reviews by MoIC and ITC, as well as

receiving further inputs from private sector associations, local and international experts.

During the reporting period, and as a necessary further steps before having the document officially endorsed

by the government for future implementation, the project supported an MoIC convened meeting to consult with

the private sector on the contents of the policy document. This meeting was held on 15 October, 2018, and

subsequently the agreed inputs to ANTP were made. The document was subsequently approved by the

PriSEC secretariat and then by the Council of Ministers in October 2018.

The document is finalised and is pending final official endorsement by the Cabinet.

Outcomes:

- Building confidence and trust between public and private sector stakeholders in the region through

regular interaction / dialogue

- Tackling on specific issues (identified above) which enabled trading relation to grow.

- Opening up of new trade routes and facilitating bilateral trade between Afghanistan and neighbouring

countries has been identified as crucial.

- MoIC’s export promotion plan indicates that while exports from Afghanistan to Uzbekistan remain low,

they have increased by 69% from 2017 (USD 1.3 M) to 2018 (USD 2.2).

- MoIC technical capacity developed on trade policy formulation to stimulate export development.

- ANTP addressing issues holistically and bringing forth trade policy coherence.

- Reforms identified aimed at capacitating domestic institutions, creating business enabling

environment, implementing regulations resulting from WTO commitments and undertaking further

trade-enabling reforms.

- Fostering public and private dialogue supporting the development of a national trade policy.

- Empowered national stakeholders capable of contributing trade policy design activities.

26


- Second Afghanistan/Uzbekistan meeting to be held on 16 July in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

- Second Afghanistan/Kazakhstan meeting to be held (date to be confirmed)

- Follow-up on agreed actions from both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan stakeholders meetings

- Obtain final endorsement of ANTP from the Cabinet and support official launch.

27

ACTUAL RESULTS

Objectives Project indicators Baseline Targets Actual Actual Actual Status Means of verification

01 Jul 2017 – 30 Jun 2018

16 Aug 2016 – 16 Aug 2019

16 Aug 2016 – 30 Jun 2017

Actual 01 July 2018 – 30 June 2019

On track

Some delay

Delay

Impact:

Enhanced trade and regional trade integration of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan as a lever for confidence building, economic and human development and poverty reduction.

Increase in Afghanistan's international trade value and volume

0 0 0 0 0 On track. To be assessed in final period of the project.

Increase in Afghanistan's regional trade value and volume

0 0 0 0 0 On track. To be assessed in final period of the project

Delivery of confidence building measures Curriculum Based Measurement (CBM) included in the implementation plan of the Heart of Asia process (Dec 2013) for the six key CBM applied by the GIRoA

0 0 0 0 0 On track. To be assessed in final period of the project

28

Outcome:

The Government formulates and implements better-informed trade policy and a strategic vision to support trade competitiveness within the region.

Number of decisions taken by the GIRoA to improve trade services for exporters and investors as a consequence of the project (project end)

0 10

10 5 Completed; further decisions expected in final period of project

NES: 6 (Adoption of response paper; PriSEC endorsement; Council of Ministers endorsement; HEC endorsement, mechanism to manage the implementation of the NES; Donors identified synergies and alignment between ongoing and planned project interventions and NES activities and agreed on the need for a mechanism to improve donor coordination during the Donor Roundtable). ANTP: 2: decision by MoIC to table ANTP to PriSEC, endorsement by Council of Ministers). Trade facilitation: 3 (WTO TFA categorization notified to WTO; TFA prioritization endorsed by IMCWTF; development of a Trade information portal). MoIC decision to hold PPD with Uzbekistan and send delegation to Termiz leading to signing of MoU (Official Minutes): 1 MoiC decision to hold PPD with Kazakhstan and send delegation to Astana leading to signing of MoU (Official Minutes): 1 National quality roadmap endorsed by HEC: 1

29

Number of TSI's improving their performance in relation to NES development, trade facilitation, and quality support

0 5

6 Completed; further contributions expected

in final period of project

MoIC: Improved ability to coordinate, track and manage NES implementation (EPAA); Enhanced ability to mainstream trade into national planning and policies; Ability to carry out National Trade Policy formulation through stakeholder consultation process and technical drafting & to inform its commitments on WTO TFA & execute stakeholder consultations with neighbouring countries to enhance trading relations (Interview with senior MoIC officials); Ability to sensitise on standardization; Ability to perform operations associated with response to TBT and SPS related enquiries and notifications: 1 ACCI: Ability to carry out export management training: 1

30

ANSA. Ability to design National Quality Policy; Ability to perform metrology services; Ability to sensitise on standardization; Ability to perform operations associated with response to TBT and SPS related enquiries and notifications:1 ANSGU: Ability to perform trainings to SMEs on financial services: 1 AWCCI: Greater capacity to stimulate public and private dialogue supporting trade-related women economic empowerment; AWCCI to participant in global top-performing TSI event: 1 MAIL. Ability to perform operations associated with response to TBT and SPS related enquiries and notifications: 1

Number of policy and regulatory measures initiated by the GIRoA for improving the business environment for exporters and investors as a consequence of the project

0 5

4 11 Completed; further contributions expected in final period of project

National Export Strategy: 1 Afghanistan National Trade Policy: 1 WTO TFA Categorized and TFA prioritization endorsed by IMCWTF: 2 Draft of the National Quality Policy initiated: 1 Draft law on metrology and two regulations on metrology: 3

31

MoIC’s successful negotiations for MFN status when trading with Uzbekistan (list of MFNs tariffs granted by Uzbekistan): 1 Proposal for an comprehensive (goods) FTA was tabled by Uzbekistan (draft): 1 Proposal by Uzbekistan to establish a special Frontier Tarde Zone (draft):1 Negotiations for a car assembly investment project were triggered: 1 MoIC’s ongoing negotiations with Uzbekistan for transit fees.1 MoIC’s successful negotiations for market access preferences with Kazakhstan (Communication from MoIC):1 MoIC’s ongoing negotiations with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan for a trilateral transit agreement (Agenda of PPD2 with Uzbekistan):1

32

3 Main NES public-private sector stakeholders consultations are listed under Section 4 of this report. Among others, these comprise 11 consultations held as part of the Second NES consultation (national and sector-level consultations), 2 provincial-level consultations and other consultative meetings. 4 Note in the AAT quarterly report for June, 2019, the total number was reflected as 140. Confirming that this was a miscalculation.

Percentage of Afghan business stakeholders reporting satisfaction about trade policy and Public Private consultation process

0 20

100

All participants responded in evaluation positively to question on their views of overall quality of National Trade Policy Private Sector consultation event and first Afg/Kaz PPD.

Output 1:

GIRoA owns a NES and action plan that was developed in a consultative process with the private sector, and has started its implementation

Endorsed NES document, including individual sector and functional strategies, in place

0 1 0 1 Completed NES Concept note, NES response paper, NES final documents

Number of official GIRoA NES launch events jointly with private sector representatives of such entities as ACCI and Afghanistan Investment Support Agency (AISA)

0 1 0 1 Completed Media press articles

Number of public-private NES stakeholder consultations completed

0 20 8 143 Completed Missions and consultations’ documented reports

Number of participants to NES workshops

0 500 222 583 Completed Participants lists and consultation’s report

Number of female participants to NES workshops

0 140 18 1324 Completed Participants lists and consultation’s report

33

5 Note: June, 2019 quarterly progress report did not account for this training, as it has only subsequently been realised that the distance training via Skype contributes to this indicator. 6 Y2 progress report updated from 16 to 23.

Number of research and advice provided in relation to the NES development

0 4 1 3 Completed NES Concept note, NES Response paper, Export Potentiel Index, Skill development strategy,

Output 2:

National public and private stakeholders are enabled to manage and coordinate the implementation of the NES and mobilise support to implement the validated roadmaps

High-level National Export Development Council, or similar, established.

0 1 0 0 1 Some delay NES coordination mechanism in the process of being established under the NTFC – pending Presidential approval

MoIC proposal to government.

NES implementation management unit (secretariat) operationalized

0 1 0 0 1 Completed Correspondence with MoIC

Number of NES Implementation Management training's completed

0 4 0 3 15 On track (Further trainings on NES implementation management)

Training report

Number of participants to NES Implementation Management trainings

0 40 0 236 2 On track. (Further trainings on NES implementation management)

Training reports

Number of female participants to NES Implementation Management training

0 13 0 5 0 On track (Further trainings on NES implementation management)

Training report

Output 3. Priority

interventions identified during the National

Number of priority initiatives in Quality and SPS areas approved

0 4 1 1 2 Target met; Further

initiatives to be

implemented

1. ANSA Workplan; 2. NES plan of action 3. Strategic Plan of ANSA; 4 Operational Plan of ANSA

34

7 Note: this number is updated from June, 2019 quarterly progress report, as a more intensive search identified further inputs

Export Strategy design process are implemented to improve regional integration and international trade competitiveness

Number of initiatives in Quality and SPS areas completed

0 4

1 37 Target met; Further initiatives to be implemented

Operationalisation of selected equipment of ANSA lab metrology: 1 Guidebook: Red Gold Rush: Managing Quality for Afghan Saffron Exports (English): 1 Red Gold Rush at Glance (condensed version) (English and Dari): 2

Number of trainings delivered to identified institutions

0 4 1 8 16 Target met; Further trainings to be implemented

Participant lists and/or reports for: 1. Training workshop on code of good practices for development, adoption, and promotion of standards and related manual 2. Training workshop on development of technical regulations and related procedures 3. Contribution to the 5th National conference on saffron; market information and identification of buyer’s linkages 4. Training workshop on Development of technical regulations 5. Webinar on Strengthening the Standardization service of ANSA – ISOlutions 6. Three-week training on mass, volume, length and calibration of

35

metrology for ANSA laboratory technicians 7. Awareness workshop on role and importance of standardization 8. 2-day workshop on WTO TBT and SPS Agreements 9. National Quality Policy (NQP) Stakeholder Consultation 10. Lead Auditor Course ISO 9001 11. Training and Awareness Workshop on Standardization 12. Training on Legal metrology, Colombo 13. Training and coaching on metrology, Kabul 14. FSSAI Training on food safety in India 15. SPS and TBT training Workshops for NNA and NEPs and private sector 16. Workshop on Implementation of Standard Development and Promotion Procedure 17. ToT training for ANSA trainers for standardization awareness 18. Workshop on ISO 9001:2015 19. Workshop on implementation of Technical Regulation (TR) procedure for ANSA and Regulatory Bodies (RB) 20. Training on ISO 17021:2015 Conformity Assessment

36

21. Workshop on EU requirements for agro and agro-processed exporters 22. Training and coaching on metrology for ANSA metrology department 23. SEEN Institutional Readiness Roadmap Workshop 24. Training on financial services 25. Training on packaging

Number of advisory services provided to implement the identified priority interventions

0 3

9 20 Target met; Further advisory services to be implemented

1. Law on legal Metrology (English and Dari) 2. Two metrology regulations (in English and Dari) 3. Celebration of World Standards Day 4. Policy document:National Quality Policy 5. ANSA Strategic Plan 6. Operational Plan (PoA) for ANSA Strategic Plan 7. Terms of Reference of TBT national committee 8. Terms of Reference of SPS national committee 9. SOPs for TBT National Enquiry Points (NEP); 10. SOPs for SPS NEP; 11. SOP for TBT National Notification Authority (NNA);

37

12. SOP for SPS NNA; 13. Concept Note on establishment of Food safety control system 14. Mission on development of a roadmap for strengthening the food safety control system 15. SOPs for metrology and supporting set of documents for calibration and verification of mass, length, volume, weighting instruments 16. Implementation of the procedure for development, adoption, promotion of standards and for development and enforcement of the TRs 17. Consultation mission to develop assessment of EPAA for development of Readiness Roadmap 18. Assessment Report and Readiness Roadmap for EPAA 19. EPAA/ITC teleconference ( 20. For ANSGU to better support SMEs to access finance 21.Financial Management Counsellors (FMCs) are selected to coach SMEs to access finance 22. Training/coaching material on financial literacy and SME coaching is adapted to the Afghan context 23. SEEN official launching ceremony

38

24- 27: Document procedure for standards 28: B2B with lead Italian Saffron company 29: Follow up ongoing with ISO and ANSA to facilitate access to ISOlutions

Output 4:

Knowledge sharing mechanisms for GIRoA staff on trade policy/negotiation formulation and implementation are established in partnership with a training institute from the Region

Partnership with training institution from the region is established

0 1 1 Completed Press release, Contract between CWS and ITC

Number of training modules/material produced

0 7

10 Completed

Materials all evidenced in: Afghanistan, “WTO and International Trade Programme”

Number of Afghan participants successfully passing trainers' assessment

0 40

20 20 Target completed. (More to be added following Kabul University completion of training programme to Year 4 students)

Regular assessment as part of “WTO and International Trade Programme”; Award of certificate of completion for 40 participants passing programme

Number of Afghan participants (women) successfully passing trainers' assessment

0 10

3

2

On track. (More to be added following Kabul University completion of training programme to Year 4 students)

Regular assessment as part of “WTO and International Trade Programme”; Award of certificate of completion for women participants passing programme

Number of trainers and/or regional resource persons trained

0 2

2 2 Completed. 4 experts (3 – Kabul University and 1 APPRO)

Regular assessment under “WTO and International Trade Programme”; Award of certificate of completion

39

8 Note: “meetings” are referred to as “trainings” here.

Number of meetings

2 6

6 Completed8 Meeting reports for the following trainings – 2 x introductory training; 6 x advanced trainings; 1 x ad hoc distance training; 2 x study tour; and additionally 1 x Kabul University programme (initiated)

Output 5:

Institutional mechanisms to facilitate the implementation of the TFA are established at national level and linked with regional partners

Recommendation for the establishment of a NTFC issued and endorsed by the MoIC

0

Indicator redundant. At the outset of the project the NTFC was already established therefore progress cannot be recorded on this indicator.

40

Number of recommendations towards the implementation of the TFA issued and/or endorsed by the Government of Afghanistan”

3 1 3 5

Completed. Additional recommendations will be developed until the project ends.

Categorization recommendation endorsed by HEC and official categorization decision notified to the WTO (2016-2017): 1

Trade Facilitation Strategy (included as a chapter of the NES) developed and endorsed by the HEC

(2017-2018): 1

TFA prioritization and sequencing recommendation validated by IMCWTF and HEC (2017-2019): 1

Recommendation on the alignment of the Customs Strategic Plan and the TFA implementation plan (2017-

2018): 1

Recommendations towards alignment of IMCWTF and ACD plan approved by MoIC and ACD: 1

Recommendation on private sector needs and priorities for TFA implementation shared with the government of Afghanistan (2018-2019): 1

Recommendation on MoIC role in leading trade facilitation reforms in Afghanistan through the IMCWTF shared with the Government of Afghanistan (2018-2019): 1

41

Instrument for official TFA implementation timelines to the WTO drafted and shared with Government of Afghanistan (2018-2019): 1

Recommendation on IMCWTF and MOIC role in the governance of the Trade Facilitation Portal (2019): 1

42

9 Updated recording figure (recorded as zero before) from first project report, as not factored for. These figures are as follows: 3 participants attended IMCWTF Member participation to first NTFC Forum in Geneva; and 1 MCWTF Member participated in Asia-Pacific Forum on Trade Facilitation 10 This means of verification is contributed under Output 6, as relevant for its attainment.

Number of public and private sector representatives stating increased awareness on the WTO TFA and trade facilitation reforms

0 100 152 131

100 Completed. Attendance sheet from events

Number of participants from public and private institutions to regional events in the area of trade facilitation (project end)

0 20 4 9

0 15 On track. IMCWTF Members will participate to one additional regional TF event in September 2019

List of participants for the following events: Participants to first International NTFC Forum in Geneva (2017): 3 Participant to Asia Pacific Trade Facilitation Forum (2017): 1 Participants to regional trade facilitation portal workshop in Dushanbe (Nov. 2018, participants list available): 6 Participation to a regional SME Coaching workshop in Colombo (Dec. 2018, participants list available): 910

43

11 This means of verification is contributed under Output 6, as relevant for its attainment.

Number of female participants from public and private institutions to regional events in the area of trade facilitation

0 3 0 0 3 Completed. Further figures to recorded in final period of project.

Women participation to regional trade facilitation portal workshop in Dushanbe (Nov. 2018, participants list available): 1 Women participation to a regional SME Coaching workshop in Colombo (Dec. 2018, participants list available): 211

Number of regional events in the area of trade facilitation

0 2 0 0 2 Completed. Further figures to recorded in final period of project.

Reports of International NTFC Forum Asia Pacific TF forum Regional TF portal event Regional SME coaching event

44

12 New indicator to be validated at PSC meeting on 23 July, 2019. 13 New indicator to be validated at PSC meeting on 23 July, 2019.

Output 6:

SME knowledge of how to manage national cross-border procedures and compliance with regional and/or global market requirements is built encompassing priority markets (building on NES findings)

Number of private sector representatives who participated in the export management curriculum and pass knowledge tests

0 100 0 0 Due to continuous changes introduced in export formalities, the project could not develop an Export Management Curriculum properly reflecting trade formalities in Afghanistan. In this context and as discussed during the second Project Steering Committee meeting in July 2018, ITC has replaced the development and delivery of an export management curriculum by 2 other sets of interventions. 1) Establishment of a trade facilitation portal as per WTO TFA requirements and 2) delivery of on-the-job coaching services to SMEs. In this context, ITC suggests to replace this indicator with indicators that reflects more appropriately the project achievements. While the target proposed (i.e. 24 SME coached) appears lower than the initial target (i.e. 100 participants trained), it is important to note that the impact of on-the-job coaching services is stronger than classroom lectures. In addition, the project has exceeded its targets in the area of TFA related trainings (i.2. 400+ participants trained vs. 100 targeted) .

Number of trade facilitation portal compliant with Article 1.2 of the TFA established (Suggest to add)12

1 1 Completed. Portal established. Content will be continuously improved until project ends

Afghanistan.Tradeportal.org

Number of SMEs coached on export management practices (Suggest to add)13

0 24 0 0 7 On track. Further coaching planned for final period of project ends

SME Coaching reports: 7

Trainers are trained 0 5 0 7 9 Completed. Master trainers trained to deliver private sector workshops on TFA. Export management coaches trained to

Master trainers trained to deliver private sector workshops on WTO TFA; Export management coaches trained to deliver trainings on export procedures.

45

14 New indicator to be validated at PSC meeting on 23 July, 2019.

deliver trainings on export procedures.

National Trade Facilitation procedure guide published (Suggest to add: including through Afghanistan National TF Portal)14

0 1 0 5 11 On track. Procedure guides on the trade facilitation portal will be refined until the project ends.

Export Procedure Guides are available: 5 SME Coaching Manual is available: 1 Step-by-step export procedures are available in the Afghanistan National Trade Facilitation Portal: 10

Output 7:

Public-private consultation process on domestic/regional key pressing trade policy/regulatory/ negotiation issues is strengthened

Number of public-private dialogues/trainings held

0 8

3 5 Target met; Further Afg-Uzb PPD, July 2019, and Afg-Kaz PPD (date to be confirmed).

Meeting reports: 1 x Afghanistan National Trade Policy Consultative meeting (Nov, 2017); 1 x Pre-event stakeholder consultation for Afg – Uzbek event, May, 2018; 1 x Afg – Uzbek PPD (Jun, 2018); 1 x Afg – Kazak pre event meeting in Almaty preceding the PPD in Astana; 1 x Afg – Kazak PPD (August, 2018); 1 x International Trade Centre: Benefitting the Private Sector, (Nov, 2018); 1 x National Trade Policy Private Sector Consultation (Nov, 2018); 1 x Mazar PPD, (Jan, 2019);

Number of policy research/material produced

0 8 1 5 7 Completed Completed materials: 1. ANTP (2019 -2023), 2. translated in to Dari; 3. Policy recommendations study: Trade between Afghanistan and

46

15 Note: Quarterly progress report had number of 81, however it has since been realised the number should be 59.

Uzbekistan: Issues and Options for Enhancement, 4 translated into Dari; 5. Policy recommendations study: Trade between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan: Issues and Options for Enhancement, translated into Dari 6; 7. Position paper: Trade between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan: Issues and Options for Enhancement, translated into Dari 8; 9. Position paper: Trade between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan: Issues and Options for Enhancement, translated into Dari 10; 11. Analysis: Potential economic implications for Afghanistan FTA with Uzbekistan; 12. Analysis Uzbekistan/Afghanistan Frontier Trade Zone implications; 13. Afghanistan MRA negotiation strategy concept note.

Number of recommendations stemming from PPD

0 10

22 3715 Target completed. Further recommendations will follow in last period of project16

20 from ANTP (Policy area sub-sections); 39 from recommendations made at Afg-Uzbek bilateral PPD and Afg-Kazakh bilateral PPD and further follow-up.

47

ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD

OUTPUT 1: GIRoA owns a national export strategy and action plan that was developed in a consultative process with the private sector, and has started its implementation

During the first reporting period, preliminary audits and analysis of Afghanistan’s trade competitiveness,

development agenda, and key trade support institutions (TSI) were performed. An initial assessment and

strategic findings were debated and further refined through a series of Kabul-based and provincial large

consultations where over 220 public and private actors reached consensus on priority sectors’ main

competitiveness issues and essential interventions. A first sector-specific provincial consultations was held in

Mazar e-Sharif. Factory visits coupled with interviews of international buyers contributed to sharpen the initial

assessment and strategic considerations.

Moreover, quality management and SPS measures had been confirmed as highly sensitive and priority issues.

Accordingly, an initial review of the quality and SPS institutions along with a series of bilateral meetings,

consultations and capacity building workshops were held.

Additionally, a NES Response Paper was produced to present the business case for developing Afghanistan’s

NES. The Response Paper puts forward a list of priority sectors and trade support functions. It was formally

endorsed by the High Economic Council (HEC).

In short, the following activities were undertaken under the first and second year of the project

First year:

- 1.1: Establishing strategy design and implementation management structures - NES pre-engagement

mission

- 1.2: Analysis of Afghanistan’s trade competitiveness, development agenda, existing trade-related

programmes, and key TSI

- Structured face-to-face or Skype interviews with diaspora and international buyers-traders

- 1.3: Inauguration and first stakeholders’ consultation of Afghanistan’s NES

- 1.4: Elaboration of Afghanistan’s NES Response Paper

- 1.5 & 1.6: Mapping of the institutions and preliminary review of the Quality and SPS Infrastructures

- 1.7: Provincial NES stakeholders’ consultation in Mazar-e-Sharif and in- factory supply chain

assessment

Second year:

- 1.1: Steering Committee Meeting and First Donor Coordination Roundtable

- 1.2: Provincial NES stakeholders’ consultation in Herat

- 1.3 Provincial NES stakeholders’ consultation in Kandahar

- 1.4 Second stakeholders’ consultation of Afghanistan’s NES

- 1.5 Bilateral meetings and discussions with sector experts and relevant stakeholders to sharpen

assessments, strategic orientations and activities of national and sector-level strategy documents

- 1.6: Elaboration of Afghanistan’s NES Strategy documents

- 1.7 Endorsement of the NES by High Economic Council, PriSEC and the Council of Ministries

- 1.8 Official launch of the NES

Completion of Output 1

48

OUTPUT 2: National public and private stakeholders are enabled to manage and coordinate the implementation of the NES and mobilise support to implement the validated roadmaps During the first reporting period, key international development partners were fully apprised on all aspects of the NES design and implementation phases through an unprecedented Donor Coordination Meeting. Participating development partners of this meeting were United States Agency for International Development (USAID), EU, DFID, BMZ, German Development Agency (GIZ), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNCTAD, United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The Donor Coordination Meeting was complemented by bilateral consultations and consensus was reached on the need to formalize the Donor Coordination Group.

High-level bilateral meetings (e.g. with MoIC and MAIL ministers, senior advisor to President, ANSA Director General (DG), ACCI’s CEO and Head of HEC Secretariat) were organized to sensitize key decision makers on the NES process and ensure that it serves the New Development Planning System as well as remains in line with parallel and related plans and policies.

In short, the following activities were undertaken under the first year of the project.

- Strategy Implementation Management Tool (SIMT) cutomization and deployment - Stakeholder mobilization

During the second reporting period, AAT pursued efforts and advisory support to position the strategy within the economic and social development framework of the country and within national development priorities. The main objective was to improve the efficiency of the implementation management framework and secure the level of support provided by country counterpart organisations to maintain the momentum and therefore influence the outcome of the process. To do so, AAT worked towards stimulating policy convergence and political cohesion around the NES so that the strategy becomes a rallying document for trade competitiveness.

Furthermore, selected MOIC-EPAA staff received initial training on NES implementation planning, management techniques and resource mobilization. Moreover, advisory services were provided to assist the definition and operationalization of an adequate governance structure for NES implementation management and support mobilization.

Moreover, an interactive strategy management system – Strategy Implementation Management Tool (SIMT) – was customized to the country’s needs. The SIMT serves as a tool to increase coordination, create reports and monitor the progress of implementation of NES’ plans of action activities. It also seeks to contribute to improving the synchronization and alignment of national policies and trade-related technical assistance. Key MoIC-EPAA staff were introduced and capacitated in the operationalization of the tool.

In short, the following activities were undertaken under the second year of the project.

- Stakeholder and resource mobilization to position the NES within national development priorities to support implementation

- Initial sensitization and coaching of key institutions’ focal points on sectors’ PoA implementation - Advisory and technical services towards the definition of operationalization of governance structure

for NES implementation - Development and dissemination of training material on NES implementation management - Training on Management support to establish and operationalize an effective implementation

management framework for NES implementation - Customization of Strategy Implementation Management Tool (SIMT) and training to key officials

49

The following table details progress under the third year:

Activity Date/location Main Achievements Contributing to

Indicator

Under Output 2: National public and private stakeholders are enabled to manage and coordinate the

implementation of the NES and mobilise support to implement the validated roadmaps

Stakeholder and resource

mobilization to bolster

visibility and position the

NES within national

development agenda to

support implementation

27-28 November

2018

Geneva

NES integrated into the

Joint UN-Afghanistan

Communiqué (para. 24)

and acknowledged during

official discussions and

side meetings

Not applicable

Advisory and technical

support towards the

definition of

operationalization of

governance structure for

NES implementation

July 2018-June

2019

Geneva/Kabul

First technical committee

meeting held (on Saffron)

MoIC is seeking to

establish the Senior

Coordination Board based

on AAT’s

recommendations.

EPAA reconfirmed as the

NES Secretariat

High-level National

Export Development

Council, or similar,

established: 1

NES implementation

management unit: 1

Advocacy, and assistance

to position the NES within

PriSEC's National Priority

Program for Private Sector

Development (PSD NPP)

July 2018-June-

2019

Geneva/Kabul

PriSEC, WG 2 (re)added

the “Establishment of a

NES implementation

monitoring and

management mechanism”

as an action item

WG2 also includes

“supporting the

implementation of the

Agri-business Charter and

the Afghanistan National

Export Strategy"

Not applicable

Communication and

coordination with

development partners to

collect information on

interventions contributing to

NES implementation

July 2018- Dec

2018

Geneva Kabul

Major development

partners’ project

information entered.

Not applicable

Human resources deployed

and ready to assist EPAA in

NES implementation

management

Sept 2018 – Dec

2018

EPAA’s capacity was

strengthened with the

deployment of two staff

(asynchronously) who

focused on tracking and

reporting implementation

of NES’ activities

Not applicable

50

Title

Stakeholder and resource mobilization to bolster visibility and position

the NES within national development agenda to support

implementation

Date/Location 27-28 November 2018, Geneva

Implementing partners ITC

Background/context The goal of the conference was to show the solidarity of the international community with the Afghan people and the government in their efforts for peace and prosperity; and for the Afghan government to renew its

Advisory support and

capacity-building to EPAA

staff on SIMT use and


Sept 2018 – Dec

2018

EPAA completed a first

phase of identifying and

uploading public and

private sector’s activities

contributing to NES

implementation

Number of NES

Implementation

Management training's

completed: 1

Number of participants to

NES Implementation

Management trainings: 2

SIMT being adjusted to

better-serve monitoring and

reporting needs related to

the implementation of the

NES

March 2019 - April

2019

Ongoing- Not applicable

Preparation of the

Institutional Strengthening

Road Map for AWCCI

26 & 27 Feb. 2019,

Kabul, Afghanistan

Information required to

define the Institutional

Strengthening Road Map

for AWCCI was gathered.

Not applicable

Completion and delivery of

the assessment report of

AWCCI

Feb-May 6, 2019 AWCCI has received a

detailed assessment and

proposed intervention plan

to strengthen its

institutional capacities

Not applicable

Human resources available

and ready to assist

AWCCI’s advocacy and

communications strategy

June, 2019

Ongoing

Recruitment process

initiated

Not applicable

Technical assistance in

resource identification and

mobilization efforts

Geneva/Kabul July

2018-June 2019

AAT, MOIC-EPAA

EPAA received technical

inputs on specific

interventions that can

serve as a basis to draft

project proposals,

particularly for the saffron

sector.

Not applicable

Dissemination of NES

documents and

communication material to

sensitize key implementing

institutions and agencies.

and allow for institutional

operational planning

Geneva/Kabul Dec.

2018-June 2019

AAT - EPAA

Raised awareness on the

NES Afghanistan among

key implementing

institutions and agencies

(and also donors) in order

to enable institutional

integration of NES

activities into their annual

plans

Not applicable

51

commitment to development and reform. This was a crucial moment for the government and international community to demonstrate progress and commitment, and maintain the momentum for elections and opportunities for peace.

The conference was also an opportunity to emphasise the importance of the development and reform agenda and the need to advance it as a constructive contribution to peace and security. This particular conference was also crucial in measuring results against the $15.2 billion committed by the international community for Afghanistan in 2016.

ITC held bilateral meetings with Afghan delegation members and development partners in the context of the Ministerial Conference, in order to emphasize the role of the NES within the national development agenda and to further position the NES as a compass for aid for trade interventions.

Results NES integrated into the Joint UN-Afghanistan Communiqué (para. 24) and

acknowledged during official discussions and side meetings

Stakeholder

/participant information

ITC met bilaterally with Afghan stakeholders participating of the conference

(e.g. ACCI, AWCCI)

Supporting documents

Geneva Conference on Afghanistan: Joint Communiqué, Securing

Afghanistan’s Future: Peace, Self-Reliance and Connectivity

Title Advisory and technical services towards the definition of

operationalization of governance structure for NES implementation

Date/Location July 2018-June-2019

Geneva/Kabul

Implementing partners EPAA, ITC

Background/context A key success factor towards NES implementation is the establishment and operationalization of a high-level public and private national coordinating body and its subsidiary organ (Secretariat) to manage NES implementation.

It is recommended that the country establishes/reinforces a high-level public-private committee, that acts in an advisory and endorsement capacity to the government over issues related to the Afghanistan’s National Export Strategy or affecting export competitiveness overall.

MoIC-EPAA has been acting at the NES Secretariat during the design and implementation phase of the National Export Strategy.

AAT has provided technical and advisory support to enable MOIC-EPAA to lead the discussions on the establishment and formalization of the NES Implementation Management Unit and the NES Secretariat.

Key activities have included the provision of advice and the development of technical inputs (e.g. Conceptual framework for NES coordination mechanism) to support EPAA in the definition of all coordination bodies (i.e. Senior Coordination Board, and three sector-level committees).

Results A first technical committee meeting of the NES was held on 5 February, and

focused on the Saffron sector (Update: MoIC has sent a proposal to

establish the NES coordination mechanism into the NTFC. Accordingly,

Sector working groups would be created under the NTFC. Proposal awaits

for Presidential approval).

52

MoIC is seeking to establish the Senior Coordination Board based on ITC’s

recommendations.

MoIC has reconfirmed EPAA’s role as the NES Secretariat (Conference call,

7 May 2019).


Afghanistan’s Concept Paper on Implementation Framework and Terms of

Reference

Contribution towards

programmes indicator’s

achievement

High-level National Export Development Council, or similar, established: 1

NES implementation management unit: 1

Title Advocacy and assistance to position the NES within PriSEC's National

Priority Program for Private Sector Development (PSD NPP)

Date/Location July 2018-June-2019

Geneva/Kabul

Implementing partners EPAA, ITC

Background/context The NES was elaborated in alignment with the overall development agenda and development partners’ interventions. During implementation, the NES' plans of action should serve national institutions to improve communication and facilitate the negotiation, planning, coordination and evaluation of commitments made in the context of development aid, in particular through the development of programmes aligned with the priorities of the strategy. Coordination of programmes and interventions during implementation will permit an effective allocation of resources, avoiding the duplication of efforts.

During this reporting period, ITC has provided continuous advocacy and assistance to position the NES within the NPP-PSD Working Group 2's mandate and work plan and prioritized action items for the 50 by 5 reform strategy. The 50 by 5 reform strategy intends to spearhead the implementation of 50 reforms of the NPP-PSD in a 5 month timeline.

Moreover, ITC has advocated towards enhanced coordination of national and donors’ programmes and interventions with the implementation of NES’ activities. This is particularly relevant in the case of the Agribusiness Charter (ABC), an initiative focused on building a competitive Afghan agribusiness sector, and as such is in line with the overall NES and specific sector strategies, e.g. Dried fruits and nuts and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Results PriSec – Working Group 2 (re)added the “Establishment of a NES

implementation monitoring and management mechanism” as a prioritized

action item (50 by 5 reform strategy).

WG2 also includes 'Streamlining and coordination for implementation of

Agribusiness Charter (ABC) and initiate implementation (in coordination with

NES)' as a prioritized action item (N° 8). The implementation of the ABC

initiatives thus must be in coordination with NES implementation.

WG2 and WG4 work plan in relation to the 50 by 5 reform strategy also refers

to a number of priorities addressed under the AAT project which contribute

to the implementation of the NES (e.g. Trade policy; Trade facilitation portal;

Holding public private dialogues with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, etc.).

ABC work plan is also aligned with the NES recommendations. It

acknowledges the AAT interventions which supports the implementation of

a number of ABC priorities including under ABC priority 1.2 “Addressing food

53

safety, sanitary and phytosanitary issues”; 1.4 “Implementation of policy and

regulatory initiatives that facilitate agriculture finance”; 1.5 “Supporting

Afghanistan to benefit from the WTO agreements”; 4.1 “Sustainable

strengthening of MAIL”.


Working Group 2 and 4 – Terms of Reference,

http://www.prisec.af/agribusiness-and-export-development/

Agribusiness Charter, Comprehensive Strategy and Action Plan: 2019-2024

Title Technical assistance in resource identification and mobilization efforts

Date/Location Geneva/Kabul July 2018-June 2019

Implementing partners ITC, MoIC-EPAA

Background/context While resource mobilization is only part of the solution, it plays a crucial and

indispensable role in supporting the strategy implementation. An integrated

resource mobilization plan should be elaborated as soon as the strategy is

adopted. Resources mobilization involves planning the sequencing of

communications with donors, project design, project proposals/application

and resources collection and management. This should facilitate, leverage

and strengthen the impact of diverse sources of finance to support sus-

tainable and inclusive implementation, including national resources,

development aid and private investment.

In addition to foster alignment of donors’ support and interventions with the

NES, ITC has provided technical assistance to guide the operationalization

of resource mobilization activities. This was particularly relevant in the

context of the first coordination committee meeting focused on the

implementation of the saffron strategy (Feb 5, 2019).

Results EPAA gained clarity on specific interventions and that can serve as a basis

to draft project proposals, particularly for the saffron sector. EPAA has

access to pitch books developed for each NES priority sector, which are

derived from findings of the NES design process.


Priority Sectors’ Pitchbooks based on NES Plan of Actions

Title Communication and coordination with development partners to collect

information on interventions contributing to NES implementation

Date/Location July 2018- Dec 2018

Geneva Kabul

Implementing partners ITC and major development partners, e.g. EU, World Bank, USAID,

Embassy of Sweden, etc.

Background/context A web-based tool was customized by ITC to ensure that MoIC-EPAA will have the instruments required to effectively plan, coordinate, measure and prioritise the strategy implementation process.

This tool (Strategy Implementation Management Tool or SIMT) serves as a single window for organizing, monitoring and measuring implementation activities within a country.

The online SIMT has been tailored to the Afghanistan NES and all NES Plans of Action have been uploaded into the system. The SIMT was officially

http://www.prisec.af/agribusiness-and-export-development/

54

deployed mid-2018 and data collection on trade-related interventions begun.

During this reporting period, ITC actively reached out development partners, in coordination with EPAA, to gather information on projects contributing to NES implementation. Development partners assigned a focal point for this exercise. Linkages between donors' interventions and NES activities were identified and verified by the designated focal point.

Results Major development partners’ project information uploaded into the SIMT.


SIMT concept note

Title Human resources available and ready to assist EPAA in NES

implementation management

Date/Location Sept 2018 – Dec 2018

Implementing partners ITC- EPAA

Background/context The effective contribution of the NES to export development will largely depend on the ability of Afghanistan to plan, mobilize resources, coordinate activities and monitor implementation.

ITC’s intervention will continue to capacitate the NES Executive Secretariat i.e. MOIC- EPAA so as to guarantee that initiatives implemented are aligned to NES priorities.

A competitive selection process was undertaken so as to engage a company to provide support to EPAA on implementation management. The selected company was PUL Consulting, who deployed two consultants to support EPAA in this regard. Mr. Sajid was assigned to this role during until mid-October 2018 and Mr. Beenish took over for the remaining period.

Results EPAA’s capacity was strengthened with the deployment of two staff

(asynchronously) who focused on tracking and reporting NES

implementation. EPAA’s leadership was satisfied with the overall services

provided by PUL Consulting through the consultants.

Stakeholder


ITC-EPAA

Staff deployed: Yonus Sajid, Beenish Ghias

Title Advisory support and capacity-building to EPAA staff on SIMT and


Date/Location Sept 2018 – Dec 2018

Implementing partners ITC-MoIC-EPAA

Background/context

Two EPAA staff (engaged through a low value purchased order) have been

trained on the SIMT through distance workshops (via Skype). This distance

coaching sessions were intended as Training of Trainers with the ultimate

objective of enabling them to train other MOIC-EPAA staff on how to use the

tool for tracking and reporting purposes.

Moreover, EPAA received technical inputs, i.e. presentation material and

advice on reporting NES implementation to the High Economic Council

55

Results EPAA completed a first phase of identifying and uploading public and private

sector’s activities contributing to NES implementation into the SIMT.

Notably, the SIMT’s database needs to be updated on a regular basis, so as

to cover the implementation period of the NES, up to 2022.


Presentation material on Afghanistan NES Implementation



achievement

Number of NES Implementation Management training's completed: 1

Number of participants to NES Implementation Management trainings:2

Title SIMT being adjusted to better-serve monitoring and reporting needs

related to the implementation of the NES

Date/Location March 2019 - April 2019


Background/context The SIMT has been developed based on ITC’s global experience and the

identified emerging requirements of partner countries. As such, it is a tool

that it is continuously evolving in order to satisfy the client country's needs.

Based on feedback obtained from Afghanistan-SIMT users, i.e. EPAA and

ITC, the tool has been subject to adjustments and updates.

Results Responsive NES monitoring tool in operation to meet local needs.

Title Preparation of the Institutional Strengthening Road Map for AWCCI

Date/Location 26 & 27 Feb. 2019, Kabul, Afghanistan

Implementing partners AWCCI; ITC

Background/context In November 2016, ITC initiated the design process of a National Export Strategy (NES) in Afghanistan. This initiative reached the final stage of its design phase in June 2018.

In facilitating the NES implementation management in Afghanistan, ITC will provide capacity-building activities, direct and distance support and tools to relevant institutions for effective strategy coordination and implementation.

One of these key institutions is Afghanistan’s Women Chamber of Commerce (AWCCI). To this end, ITC launched a process to diagnose the current situation and capacity development needs of the Afghanistan Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, AWCCI. The purpose of the diagnostic is to prepare a capacity building intervention plan in anticipation of a very likely second phase of the project in the country .

Accordingly, ITC carried out an assessment of the organisational processes and capacities of the organisation through a two-step process: the first was an Assisted Self-Assessment based on ITC’s Benchmarking methodology. The second was the organization of a series of meetings and interviews, as a mechanism to collect the information required to define the areas of support and the sequence of interventions required to achieve the desired result.

Results Required information to develop the self-assisted diagnostic was collected

during a mission to Kabul, in 26 and 27 February 2019. The information

required to define the Institutional Strengthening Road Map for AWCCI was

56

gathered through a combination of interviews with women entrepreneurs,

both members and non-members of the Chamber, and with the

management team of the organisation. Also, in depth conversations were

held with Senior management team of the Chamber, which allowed to clarify

and confirm the findings obtained in the first phase of the assessment – the

remote assisted self-assessment.

Stakeholder


Meetings with 5 AWCCI representatives, including CEO.

Round table with 9 women entrepreneurs

Participant evaluation Informal feedback from participants in meetings was positive. Consistent

message was one of gratefulness for taking the trouble of going to visit them

and discuss with them their business challenges and difficulties. No formal

evaluation was conducted of the meetings.


List of Participants - AWCCI

Title Completion and delivery of the assessment report of AWCCI

Date/Location 6 May, 2019

Implementing partners ITC, AWCCI

Background/context ITC carried out an assessment of the organisational processes and

capacities of AWCCI at the end of February 2019. The information stemming

from this exercised served to develop a first draft of the Assisted

Assessment report of AWCCI. The report includes a proposed intervention

plan to strengthen the capacities of the organization to deliver on its

mandate. The proposed intervention plan is the basis for the delivery of

capacity building support activities to AWCCI under Phase II of the project.

The report was shared and approved by AWCCI's leadership for feedback

and comments.

Results AWCCI has received a detailed assessment and proposed intervention plan

to strengthen its institutional capacities. AWCCI confirmed its institutional

strengths and weaknesses and gained clarity on where capacity-building is

required. The proposed activities will guide capacity-building support

activities to AWCCI and AAT's Phase II.

Stakeholder


The report was delivered to AWCCI’s leadership, Ms. Manizha WAFEQ, CEO, for comments and suggestions

Title Human resources available and ready to assist AWCCI’s advocacy and

communications strategy

Date/Location June, 2019

Implementing partners ITC- AWCCI

Background/context ITC’s intervention will continue to assist AWCCI, as a key leading and supporting implementer of NES activities. Further, ITC seeks to strengthen the institutional capacity of AWCCI as a mechanism to support the continued development of women’s participation in the economy and foster the country’s exports.

To that end, recruited expertise to support AWCCI in the design of its advocacy and communications strategy.

57

Results AWCCI needs pre-identified collaboratively.

Title Dissemination of NES documents and communication material to

sensitize key implementing institutions and agencies. and allow for

institutional operational planning

Date/Location Geneva/Kabul Dec. 2018-June 2019

Implementing partners ITC - EPAA

Background/context The key implementing institutions detailed in the various plans of actions

(PoAs) of the sector and cross-sector strategies need to be informed of the

content of the strategies and the implications for their future programming.

This sensitization is essential to build further ownership, and it provides

institutions with the opportunity to review the PoAs in order to confirm the

activities they can implement immediately, in the medium and long term.

Such a programming approach will permit better resources allocation within

the responsible agencies.

ITC has worked towards the sensitization of national implementing

institutions and agencies through the dissemination of NES documents and

promotional material (sets of documents and USB keys), including AAT

communication material. The USB keys include the video documentary

created focusing on the developmental impact of the NES. The video

highlights the positive effect of competitive exports on real-human interest

issues, such as employment, poverty alleviation and social advancements.

Several key implementing institutions from both public and private sector

have received sets of the NES documents and promotional material,

including MAIL, Ministry of Finance, Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Union,

Dried fruits and nuts Union, Afghan Carpet Exporters Guild, Kabul Carpet

Manufacturer Association, National Union of Saffron Growers, Afghan

Women’s Saffron Association and Saffron Development National

Committee. In addition to the EU delegation, other development partners

have received NES sets and promotional material, such as DFID and the

World Bank.

Notably, two batches of NES documents (in Dari and English) were sent to

MoIC-EPAA in preparation for the first coordination committee meeting on

NES implementation.

Results Raised awareness on the NES Afghanistan among key implementing

institutions and agencies (and also donors) in order to enable institutional

integration of NES activities into their annual plans


NES documents and communication material

58

OUTPUT 3: Priority interventions identified during the NES design process are implemented to improve regional integration and international trade competitiveness

Quality management (Output 3.1)

During the first reporting period, in parallel to the design of the cross functional quality management under the

NES, training and initial capacity building activities were kicked off. These activities focused mainly on

sensitisation on TBT and SPS Agreements; preparation of training on standardization and technical

regulations; approval of the ANSA’s AAT priority work plan; drafting of procedures related to standards and

technical regulations.

In short, the following activities were undertaken under the first year of the project.

First year:

- 2-day workshop on WTO TBT and SPS Agreements

- NES cross strategy on quality management and SPS adopted

- ANSA Priority Plan

In the second year focus was on implementing selected priority activities identified with stakeholders: priorities

were extracted from ANSA work plan and priorities “1” from the NES Quality Cross functional strategy agreed

during the ongoing consultations with stakeholders.

In short, the following activities were undertaken under the second year of the project.

Second year:

- 2-day training workshop on code of good practices for development, adoption, and promotion of

standards

- 1-day Training workshop on development of technical regulations

- Half-day Awareness workshop on role and importance of standardization for the private sector

- 2nd one-day training workshop on development of technical regulations

- Procedure/Manual for development of technical regulations developed in English and Dari

- Procedure for development, adoption, and promotion of standards developed in English and Dari

- Contribution to the 5th National conference on saffron; market information and identification of buyer’s

linkages

- Working Document - National Quality Policy of Afghanistan

- Webinar on Strengthening the Standardization service of ANSA – ISOlutions

- Three-week training on mass, volume, length and calibration of metrology for ANSA laboratory

technicians in India. Off-site follow training (via Skype) on metrology

- Concept note on training programmes to strengthen National Notification Authority (NNA) and National

Enquiry Points (NEP) on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures

(SPS) and first video training session

- Concept note on the training for strengthening the food safety and food control with training

programmes designed in India

In the third year the activities identified in the NES were further implemented through a series of workshops

and trainings that took place in Afghanistan and abroad. Advisory services and capacity building was provided

to various stakeholders on a number of topics requested by the country and defined by the work plan.

With respect to quality management (output 3.1), the following details progress under the third year.

59

EPAA strengthening as a trade support institution (Output 3.2); Access to finance (Output 3.3) and

support to SEEN (Output 3.3)

These interventions started during the third year of the project. It results from…..

Activity

Date/Location Main Achievements Contributing to

Indictor

Sub-output: 3.1: Quality management – with also a focus on the saffron sector as pilot to reach

SMEs

Development of Law

on Legal Metrology in

consultation with

ANSA and 2

regulations drafted

Ongoing 2018/19

Kabul

The First draft Law/ Act to establish

and enforce standards of Legal

Metrology (weights and measures)

in trade and services and all

metrological activities has been

developed.

In addition, 2 regulations on

prepacked commodities and on

metrological control of weighing

and measuring instruments have

been developed and translated.

Number of advisory

services provided to

implement the

identified priority

interventions: 3

World Standards Day

23 October 2018,

Kabul

ANSA obtained visibility and further

positioned itself as a leading

institution in the area of

standardization and sensitized on

the importance of standards.

High visibility to AAT / EU project,

the National Export Strategy and

the vision of the country regarding

quality was shared among a large

number of stakeholders.

Number of advisory


implement the

identified priority

interventions: 1

National Quality

Policy (NQP)

Stakeholder

Consultation

18 November 2018,

Kabul

Provided a platform for further

discussions and fine-tuning of the

National Quality Policy.

Built stakeholder knowledge and

awareness.

Number of trainings

delivered to

identified

institutions: 1

Policy document:

National Quality

Policy

Ongoing 2018/19;

Geneva/Kabul

A draft framework that reflects the

functions of the National Quality

Infrastructure needed for

Afghanistan to increase exports

and meet the quality and safety

requirements of the global markets

and the technical regulation

regimes of major trading partners.

Number of advisory


implement the

identified priority

interventions: 1

60

ANSA Strategic Plan

(2019-2023) and

Operational plan

(Plan of Action)

Ongoing 2018/19;

Geneva/Kabul

Developed through large

consultation and roundtables with

ANSA senior management. It gives

ANSA’s vision statement and its

strategy (PoA) to implement it. It

addresses strategic objectives and

broad pillars of the Quality

infrastructure (Standardization,

Metrology, Conformity assessment,

and Technical Regulations) with

ANSA’s role for each.

It integrates the implementation of

the National Quality Policy (NQP)

and the Quality and SPS Cross-

sector Strategy (NES) with action

plan.

Number of advisory


implement the

identified priority

interventions: 1

Number of priority

initiatives in Quality

and SPS areas

approved: 2

Terms of Reference

of TBT national

committee and

Terms of Reference

of SPS national

committee

February - March 2019,

Geneva/ Kabul

ANSA, MAIL, MoPH, MoIC are

equipped with tools to establish

and operationalize the National

SPS and TBT Committees in

Afghanistan to coordinate and

oversee the implementation of

bilateral, regional and WTO SPS

and TBT agreements in

Afghanistan.

First TBT National Committee

meeting conducted.

Number of advisory


implement the

identified priority

interventions: 2

Development of the

following:

SOPs for TBT

National Enquiry

Points (NEP);

SOPs for SPS NEP;

SOP for TBT

National Notification

Authority (NNA);

SOP for SPS NNA;

February - March 2019,

Geneva /Kabul

The staff of the Afghan WTO SPS NEP (MAIL) and WTO TBT NEP (ANSA) is equipped with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with steps to respond to enquiries; obtain, store or file SPS / TBT measures used for responding to enquiries; keep records of enquiries received; and compile monthly, quarterly and annual reports.

The staff of the Afghan WTO NNA (MoIC) is equipped with SOPs to prepare and submit SPS and TBT notifications and keep records of the notifications and draft and adopted SPS and TBT measures

Number of advisory


implement the

identified priority

interventions: 4

Document: Procedure

for development,

adoption, promotion

of standards and for

development and

Ongoing 2018/19;

Geneva/Kabul

Sensitisation of high levels at

ANSA, MAIL, MoIC and MoPH on

the adoption and application of the

procedures.

Number of advisory


implement the

identified priority

interventions: 4

61

enforcement of the

TRs

Follow up on submission for

endorsement.

ANSA is applying the procedure

and use it in the technical

committees

Guidebook: Red Gold

Rush: Managing

Quality for Afghan

Saffron Exports

Throughout 2018;

Geneva

Clear information articulated on the

quality-related requirements for

Afghan saffron, as well as

elaborating on the three key

markets identified in the strategy:

China, Europe and India.

Deeper understanding of saffron

quality requirements among

stakeholders in the Afghanistan

saffron sector.

Two versions published and

available online (extended version

in English, short version in English

and Dari).

Number of initiatives

in Quality and SPS

areas completed: 2

Lead Auditor Course

ISO 9001 (5-day

course and 2-day

field visit)

12-18 October 2018,

Delhi, India

15 participants (ANSA, MAIL,

MoPH, MoIC, ACCI, EPAA,

AWCCI) improved understanding of

ISO 9001 quality management

system principles and practices for

auditing for conformance with ISO

9001.

2 participants passed exam for lead

auditors and obtained certificates

Number of trainings

delivered to

identified

institutions: 1

Training and

Awareness Workshop

on Standardization

10-12 December 2018,

Herat

Awareness and knowledge of 50

participants from government

entities and private sector raised on

the role and importance of

standardization, (including on

different standards, such as ISO

9001, ISO 22000, ISO 14001 and

others related to Saffron and

construction materials))

Built visibility of ANSA’s services

and ANSA’s capacity to reach out

the private sector in the region.

Exposure of stakeholders to EFI’s

activities built.

ANSA Staff was advised on

modality to strengthen their

Number of trainings

delivered to

identified

institutions: 1

62

communication and presentation

skills

Training on Legal

metrology

1–12 October 2018,

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Received support on the

development of a plan to set up a

legal metrology system in

Afghanistan through exposure to

leading practices in neighbouring

countries.

Number of trainings

delivered to

identified

institutions: 1

Food safety training

and follow ups

Training: 27 January to

8 February 2019,

(Various parts of India)

Follow up activities:

February - May 2019

The training further enhanced

knowledge of relevant staff from

different ministries on food safety

control via practical exposure. It

helped to familiarize with existing

international guidelines and applied

approach on how to strengthen

national food safety control

systems.

As a result of the training, a

Concept Note was developed

providing a proposal for the

strengthening of Food Safety

Control System and its elements

on strategic and regulatory level.

Mission on development of a

roadmap for strengthening the food

safety control system in

Afghanistan took place by an

International Expert that undertook

the assessment of the current

system in place. Collection of

information on the potential support

and implementation was

conducted

Number of trainings

delivered to

identified

institutions: 1

Number of advisory


implement the

identified priority

interventions: 2

SPS and TBT training

Workshops for NNA

and NEPs

23 - 28 February 2019,

Kabul

A series of workshops on TBT and

SPS agreements aimed at

validating Standard Operating

Procedures (SOPs) of

Afghanistan’s National Enquiry

Points (NEPs) and the National

Notification Authority (NNA) on

Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)

and Sanitary and Phytosanitary

Measures (SPS). Development of

the Terms of Reference of the

respective National Committees

through trainings and practical

exercises.

Number of trainings

delivered to

identified

institutions: 1

Hands-on training

and coaching on

metrology

6 - 25 April 2019,

Kabul

Practical working experience in

field of verification and calibration

Number of trainings

delivered to

63

provided to technicians of ANSA

metrology department.

SOPs for metrology and set of

documents for calibration and

verification

identified

institutions: 1

Number of advisory


implement the

identified priority

interventions: 1

Awareness raising materials on AAT quality work

August, 2018 – March,

2019 / Kabul, Delhi

Increased awareness and

understanding of issues related to

raising quality standards and

export development

Workshop on Implementation of Standard Development and Promotion Procedure

12 May 2019,

Kabul

Increased understanding of the Technical Committees on the new procedures development

Number of trainings

delivered to

identified

institutions: 1

ToT training for

ANSA trainers for

standardization

awareness

15-16 May 2019,

Kabul

Improved skills on how to design and plan a training program

Number of trainings

delivered to

identified

institutions: 1

Workshop on ISO

9001:2015

19 – 21 May 2019/

ANSA, Kabul

To further support the certified lead auditor program, ANSA technical officers improved their knowledge and understanding of the international standard ISO 9001

Number of trainings

delivered to

identified

institutions: 1

Workshop on

implementation of

Technical Regulation

(TR) procedure for

ANSA and

Regulatory Bodies

(RB)

22 May 2019,

Kabul

Ensured familiarization of the Regulatory Bodies on the requirements of the procedure for a unified procedure to develop and enforce TRs in the country

Number of trainings

delivered to

identified

institutions: 1

Training on ISO

17021:2015

Conformity

Assessment

26 – 28 May 2019,

ANSA Kabul

Different departments of ANSA

develoed thorough understanding

of the standard requirements for

bodies providing audit and

certification of management

systems

Number of trainings

delivered to

identified

institutions: 1

Workshop on EU

requirements for agro

and agro-processed

exporters

29 May 2019,

Kabul

60 Afghan exporters and

government regulators better

equipped with know-how to meet

strict EU agri-product import

requirements

Number of trainings

delivered to

identified

institutions: 1

Study for packaging testing capacity building of laboratories in Saffron sector: a way forward to support SMEs to comply with

22 June 2019, Herat,

Afghanistan

A roadmap allowing to plan the

consolidation of an existing

laboratory to better support SMEs

to become compliant for the

international markets

Number of advisory services provided to implement the identified priority interventions: 1

64

Title Development of Law on Legal Metrology in Consultation with ANSA and

2 regulations drafted

Date/Location

Ongoing 2018/19/ Kabul

Implementing partners ANSA, MoIC, Ministry of Justice

Background/context Given that ANSA’ s Metrology Department is in its early stages of establishing

the industrial and legal metrology functions, the project provided support to the

country through trainings as well the development of the Legal Metrology Law.

In international terms, a global metrology system has been established which

ensures reliable measurements, as nearly 90% of the trade is regulated.

Through the development of the law and regulations, enhancement of the

quality infrastructure of Afghanistan has been aimed.

Results

Capacity built and necessary understanding for drafting of Afghan Legal

Metrology Law and regulations.

Review process ensured it meets relevant international and national

requirements. Validated by ANSA and submitted to Ministry of Justice for final

endorsement.

Stakeholder


Large consultation with ANSA staff and management


Draft Law on Legal Metrology in English

Draft Law on Legal Metrology in Dari

Draft Regulation on Metrological control of weighing and measuring instruments

Draft Regulation on Metrological control of pre-packages

international market standards

Workshop: restitution of the study for ‘’packaging testing capacity building of laboratories in Saffron sector: a way forward to support SMEs to comply with international market standards’’

22 June 2019, Herat

Knowledge built on how Saffron

producers, processors and

cooperatives could benefit from

quality testing laboratories for their

packaging systems, and how they

could have access to tools and

equipment to become compliant to

international trade requirement.

Recommendations provided on

how to improve packaging

capacities and the best way to make

new and innovative capacities

available.

Number of trainings delivered to identified institutions: 1

65



achievement

Number of advisory services provided to implement the identified priority

interventions: 3

Title World Standards Day

Date/Location 23 October 2018 / General Media and Information Centre (Qasre Marmarin)

Kabul/ Afghanistan

Implementing partners ANSA, Second Vice President Office and International Trade Centre (ITC)

Background/context Celebration of events such as World Standards Day is an activity of the Plan of

Action of the NES to contribute to build awareness on the importance of

standards. ANSA celebrated on October 23 the World Standards Day (instead

of 14 October to the cause of parliamentary elections). Each year on 14 October,

the members of the IEC, ISO and ITU celebrate World Standards Day, which is

a means of paying tribute to the collaborative efforts of the thousands of experts

worldwide who develop the voluntary technical agreements that are published

as international standards. ANSA is a full member of ISO and it is critical for

ANSA to use these days to get visibility and promote its services to stakeholders.

The AAT project encouraged ANSA to conduct the celebration, gave technical

guidance and contributed to covering some expenses.

AAT shared event costs related to printing, caterings, diaries with ITC, AAT/EU

and ANSA logos, banners.

Results

ANSA obtained high visibility and further positioned itself as leading institution in

the area of standardization and promote the importance of standards. More than

200 people (high-level officials, private sector, media and various stakeholders)

gathered to the celebration.

High visibility National Export Strategy and its vision in the area of quality was

shared among a large number of stakeholders along with accomplishment of

one activity included in the NES Plan of Action.

Stakeholders were sensitized on the role and importance of standards

compliance for growing Afghan exports through different speeches made by

ANSA and also ACCI

Stakeholder


More than 200 participants attended.

H.E. Mohammad Sarwar Danish second vice president of Afghanistan and

chairman of standardization high council, H.E. Abdul Khaliq Babor Acting DG

and deputy of administrative and finance of ANSA H.E. Delbar Nazari Minster of

women’s affairs, Mr. Atiqullah Nasrat CEO of ACCI, Dr. Mujiburrahman Khateer.

ITC national consultant, Mr. Marco Stella representative of EU, high rank

government officials, members of standardization high council, representatives

from private sectors and representatives of International organizations, media

attended this ceremony.


List of participations, list of media coverage, media coverage, ANSA report.

AAT provided a draft speech for ANSA Acting Director.

66



achievement


interventions: 1

Title

National Quality Policy Stakeholder Consultation

Date/Location

18 November, 2018, Kabul

Implementing partners

ANSA, MoIC, and ACCI

Background/context

The NES Plan of Action for Quality and SPS prioritized the development of a

national quality policy to ensure harmonization of efforts, obtain political support

and reduce duplication and overlap among institutions.

The NQP has been developed by the Government of Afghanistan with the

technical assistance of AAT. The policy aims to increase exports and foster

socioeconomic development by meeting global markets’ quality and safety

requirements, as well as high-level technical requirements set by major

purchasers and the global product value chain, and, most importantly, the

technical regulation regimes of major trading partners.

Upon completion of an advanced draft version of the NQP, a stakeholder

consultation was considered a necessary step to sensitize stakeholders, gather

their views and consensus on the document before its final endorsement.

Results

Stakeholders at different levels from different public and private sector institutions sensitised on the importance and need for NQP. In particular how the NQP can improve competitiveness of Afghan goods and services in regional and global markets as well as ensure protection of consumers and the environment through establishing and maintaining an effective and efficient quality infrastructure that is internationally recognized.

MoIC and ANSA provided a platform to gather stakeholder input on the working document of the NQP.

Private sector provided a platform for their advocacy efforts with government.

Stakeholder


51 Participants (4 of them women) drawn from the Ministry of Industry and

Commerce (MoIC), Afghanistan National Standards Authority (ANSA),

Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI), Ministry of Rural

Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD), MOPH, MAIL, Directorate General of

Customs / MOF Afghanistan Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ATRA),

Afghanistan Women Chamber of Commerce and Industries (AWCCI),

Afghanistan Raisin, Vegetable and fruits Export Promotion Agenccy.

Participant evaluation

Representatives of invited institutions and private sector not only participated in

the event, but also took active part in discussions and shared their viewpoints,

comments and recommendations.

67


Meeting report

National Quality Policy in English and Dari

Press article



achievement


Title Policy document: National Quality Policy

Date/Location Ongoing 2018/19; Geneva/Kabul


ANSA, MoIC

Background/context The NES Plan of Action for Quality and SPS prioritized the development of a

National Quality Policy to ensure harmonization of efforts, obtain political support

and reduce duplication and overlap among institutions.

Results

ANSA and MoIC technical capacity developed on quality policy formulation to stimulate export management.

Reforms identified to increase exports and foster socioeconomic development by meeting global markets’ quality and safety requirements, as well as high-level technical requirements set by major purchasers and the global product value chain, and, most importantly, the technical regulation regimes of major trading partners. National quality policy focuses on quality infrastructure and thus on functions such as standardization, metrology, conformity assessment, accreditation and market surveillance.

Improvements identified for national quality infrastructure which if executed will strengthen exporters’ ability to fully capitalize on new opportunities and enhance their competitiveness.

The national quality policy is with the Minister of MoIC for final review.

Stakeholder


Different stakeholders from the relevant institutions participated in the discussions


National quality policy in English and Dari



achievement


interventions: 1

Title ANSA Strategic Plan (2019-2023) and operational plan

Date/Location Ongoing 2018/19; Geneva/Kabul

Implementing partners ANSA

68

Background/context In order for Afghanistan to enhance its position in providing standards, conformity

assessments and have expertise on metrology, ANSA has identified strategic

objectives and addressed those in ANSA Strategic Plan (2011-2015). The

Establishment and Development of National Quality Infrastructure was a

cornerstone for conceptualizing the quality functions and role of ANSA in

developing national standards, legal metrology, conformity assessment services

and relation with regional and international standardization institutions. ANSA

expects that the current strategic plan, which Afghanistan manufacturing and

export sectors have long been in need of, ensure that the National Quality Policy

and Quality and SPS Cross-sector Strategy is implemented such that Afghan

products and services reach their optimal potential and improve their

competitiveness in local, regional and international markets.

This had been included in the NES and recommended as an operational objective,

further followed by the activities implemented.

Results

ANSA Strategic Plan 2019-2023 endorsed by ANSA Director General.

Thorough consultation process: It was developed through large consultation and

roundtables with ANSA senior management. It gives ANSA’s vision statement and

its strategy to implement it. It addresses strategic objectives and broad pillars of

the Quality infrastructure (Standardization, Metrology, Conformity assessment,

and Technical Regulations) with ANSA’s role for each.

It integrates the implementation of the National Quality Policy and the Quality and

SPS Cross-sector Strategy (NES) with action plan.

The Plan of Action on the implementation has also been developed and is under

ANSA’s approval.

The Strategic Plan is in 2 languages (English and Dari).


ANSA Strategic Plan (in English and Dari)

Plan of Action

Mission report



achievement


interventions: 1

Number of priority initiatives in Quality and SPS areas approved: 2

Title Terms of Reference of TBT national committee and Terms of Reference

of SPS national committee

Date/Location February - March 2019, Geneva/ Kabul

Implementing partners ANSA, MAIL, MoPH, MoIC

Background/context As per the WTO post-accession commitments and technical infrastructure

reinforcement needs identified, AAT is providing technical assistance to

strengthen and operationalise the Afghan SPS and TBT NEPs and NNA.

69

With respect to requirements of WTO Agreements on SPS and TBT;

MoIC is the NNA, and has a dedicated WTO focal point whose role is to

coordinate the efforts of the different agencies responsible for reaching a

satisfactory level of compliance to the requirements of the SPS and TBT

Agreements,

ANSA is the TBT NEP, while the General Directorate of Planning and

Program Coordination, MAIL, is the SPS NEP.

AAT conducted a survey of the above mentioned SPS and TBT NEPs and NNA

which identified certain needs; in particular gaps in knowledge and skills in

notification and enquiry procedures, absence of training, and lack of Standard

Operating Procedures (SOPs) to carry out the said functions, as well as on

understanding of the notification alert system “ePing”. To address these

constraints, a practical training of the NEPs, NNA and relevant Ministries,

Departments and Agencies (MDAs) was planned, with the development of SOPs

for SPS and TBT NNA and NEPs.

Results Terms of Reference of the National SPS Sub Committee was prepared and

validated by stakeholders. This will facilitate operationalization of the

subcommittee and enable effective coordination and communication with

stakeholders in the public and private sectors in relation to implementation and

administration of the SPS agreement;

Terms of Reference of the National TBT Sub Committee was prepared and

validated by stakeholders.

Two draft SPS and TBT notifications of the draft food safety regulations were

prepared using SPS and TBT NSSs but the notifications were not submitted

because approval was required from Afghan Mission in Geneva.

Training and registration of stakeholders in ePing was conducted.

1st TBT National Committee meeting took place on 29 June, 2019.

Stakeholder


20 participants (1 woman) from MAIL, MoIC, ANSA, MoPH, MoJ, EPAA took

part in the training,

Participant evaluation Overall the series of training workshop was positively evaluated with many

participants expressing need for further support and the ToR is applied for the

1st TBT national committee meeting


ToR of the National SPS Committee

ToR of the National TBT Committee

List of participants, Mission work plan, Training programme for stakeholders’

sensitization workshop on the transparency provisions of WTO Agreements on

SPS and TBT;



achievement


interventions: 2

Title Development of SOPs for: TBT NEP and SPS NEP; TBT NNA and for SPS

NNA

Date/Location February - March 2019, Geneva/ Kabul

Implementing partners ANSA, MAIL, MoPH, MoIC

70


reinforcement needs identified, AAT is providing technical assistance to

strengthen and operationalise the Afghan SPS and TBT NEPs and NNA.

With respect to requirements of WTO Agreements on SPS and TBT:

- MoIC is the NNA, and has a dedicated WTO focal point whose role is to

coordinate the efforts of the different agencies responsible for reaching a

satisfactory level of compliance to the requirements of the SPS and TBT

Agreements,

- ANSA is the TBT NEP, while the General Directorate of Planning and

Program Coordination, MAIL is the SPS NEP.

AAT conducted a survey of the above mentioned SPS and TBT NEPs and NNA

which identified certain needs; in particular gaps in knowledge and skills in

notification and enquiry procedures, absence of training, and lack of Standard

Operating Procedures (SOPs) to carry out the said functions, as well as on

understanding of the notification alert system “ePing”. To address these

constraints, a practical training of the NEPs, NNA and relevant MDAs was

planned, with the development of SOPs for SPS and TBT NNA and NEPs.

Results The following documents were produced and validated by the different

stakeholders participating in the meetings. SOPs for TBT NEP; SOPs for SPS

NEP; SOP for TBT NNA; SOP for SPS NNA;

Two draft SPS and TBT notifications of the draft food safety regulations were

prepared using SPS and TBT NSSs; the submission of the notifications was on

hold subject to discussion with the Afghan Mission in Geneva.


Stakeholder


30 participants (4 woman) from MAIL, MoIC, ANSA, MoPH, MoJ, EPAA took part

in the training

Participant evaluation Overall the workshop was positively evaluated with many participants expressing

need for further support


SOPs for TBT NEP;

SOPs for SPS NEP;

SOP for TBT NNA;

SOP for SPS NNA;

List of participants, Mission work plan, Training programme for stakeholders’

sensitization workshop on the transparency provisions of WTO Agreements on

SPS and TBT.



achievement


interventions: 4

Title

Procedure for development, adoption, promotion of standards and for

development and enforcement of the Technical Regulations (TRs)

71

Date/Location

Ongoing 2018/19; Geneva/Kabul


Background/context The Procedure for Development, Adoption, Amendment and Cancellation of

Technical Regulations apply to all technical regulations All regulatory bodies

(ministries and authorities) of the Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in

their work shall develop, adopt, amend and cancel technical regulations while

ensuring compliance to the Procedure document.

Results

A comprehensive and practical procedure for development, adoption, promotion of

standards and for development and enforcement of the TRs was prepared. The

document elaborates the way the TRs shall be drafted, the need for risk assessment,

coordination mechanism among the RBs and compliance with the principles of WTO

TBT agreement. The document was reviewed and approved by ITC senior experts

and it was also reviewed and agreed on with ANSA. Further workshops on the

implementation of the procedures were provided to sensitize staff of ANSA, MAIL,

MoIC and MoPH on the adoption and application of the procedures.

ANSA is applying the procedure and use it in the technical committees.

Stakeholder


ANSA, in consultation with other relevant ministries, as: MAIL; MoPH; MoIC; Ministry

of Energy and Water; Ministry of Transportation and Civil Aviation; Ministry of Mines

and Petroleum; Ministry of Counter Narcotics; Ministry of Urban Development;

Ministry of Public Works; Ministry of Communication and Information Technology;

Ministry of Information of Culture; National Environmental Protection Agency


Procedure for Development of TR (in English and Dari)

Standard Development and Promotion Procedure (in English and Dari)

Operation Procedure for National Enquiry Point (NEP) (in English and Dari)

Procedure for Safety and Quality Control of Food, Potable Water and Non-Alcoholic

Drinks (in English and Dari)



achievement


interventions: 4

Title Red Gold Rush: Managing quality for Afghan saffron exports (Detailed guide

and short guide - at a glance)

72

Location / Date Geneva / throughout 2018

Implementing partners ITC; Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock

Background/context Supporting greater diversification of products and export markets is a priority for Afghanistan. This is a concrete aim of the Afghanistan National Export Strategy 2018-22.

Saffron – the ‘red gold’ of the spices sector – has great potential for Afghanistan. As a priority sector of the country’s national export strategy, the success of Afghan saffron will bring significant economic and social advantages to the country.

.

Navigating the quality arena can be a challenge for any small firm. Quality tends to be a fast-moving target anchored in a large array of technical regulations, standards and rapidly evolving consumer preferences.

In this context, AAT developed the guide for the saffron sector, as a complement to the Afghanistan National Export Strategy 2018-22. The publication is intended to implementation action of the export strategy roadmap and serves as an important tool toward developing Afghanistan’s export potential and creating an environment where entrepreneurship can grow.

The guide sheds light on quality-related requirements for Afghan saffron, as well as elaborating on the three key markets identified in the strategy: China, Europe and India.

Results Clearance guidance on the quality-related requirements for Afghan saffron, as well as elaborating on the three key markets identified in the strategy: China, Europe and India.

Deeper understanding of saffron quality requirements among stakeholders in the Afghanistan saffron sector.

Key steps spelt out to enable Afghan saffron to develop a brand identity synonymous with consistent high quality and social and environmental sustainability.

Publications used and distributed in AAT events in Herat.


Detailed guide in English;

Short version of guide in English and Dari;

Press release



achievement

Number of initiatives in Quality and SPS areas completed: 2

Title Lead Auditor Training Course ISO 9001 (5 day training course + 2 day field visit)

Date/Location 12-18 October 2018. New Delhi, India

Implementing partners The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)

Background/context The primary objective of the 5-days training course is to instruct quality management auditors in the principles and practices specific to auditing for conformance with ISO 9001, including planning and preparation of the audit, audit practices, and reporting audit findings. During the training, the participants were expected to gain necessary auditing skills through a balance of formal classroom tutorials, group workshops, and open forum discussions during the training and attend the final exam.

73

Results

The participants underwent a 5-day training and gained a fair good understanding of implementation of QMS including its auditing, after which a written exam was conducted. Fourteen participants successfully completed the continuous assessment (securing more than 60% marks) and sat for the final written exam. One participant could not continue with training due to medical reasons (hence not eligible for final exam).

Out of 15 participants, 2 participants passed the exam. Due to the level of understanding and writing capabilities they faced difficulties in the exam.

Stakeholder


15 Participants (4 Female) from ANSA, MAIL, MOPH, MoIC, AWCCI, EPAA, ACCI.

Participant evaluation Participants were overall satisfied with the training.


Agenda, Concept Note, Long mission report by FICCI (service provider for the course), Long mission report by the participants, Certificates Note on the Lead Auditor Training Course following exam



achievement


Title Training and Awareness Workshop on Standardization

Date/Location 10-12 December 2018 in Herat, Afghanistan

Implementing partners ANSA; ACCI (Herat office)

Background/context A major obstacle to the implementation of standards is lack of awareness about the

importance of standards and quality management. The efforts to raise awareness has

to be made at both ends of the supply chain: producers and consumers. For those

enterprises who has realized, at least to some extent, the importance of quality and

safety, it seems very challenging to meet market requirements.

In this context, a three-day workshop on Standardization and Quality Management

was organized jointly by ITC and ANSA in Herat province.

Results

Knowledge of 50 stakeholders raised on the importance of standards and quality

management.

ANSA agreed to establish continued communication with local private sector to

ensure application of standards and improving quality of Afghan goods and services.

Built visibility of ANSA’s services and ANSA’s capacity to reach out the private sector

in the region.

Exposure of stakeholders to EFI’s activities built.

Stakeholder


50 participants (7 Female) (Drawn from local government; business and business

associations)

Participant evaluation The workshop was assessed as excellent by the participants.

74


Presentations in Dari, Workshop report



achievement


Title Training on Legal metrology

Date/Location 01 - 12 October 2018, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Implementing partners Sri Lankan Measurement Units, Standards and Services Department (Under The

Ministry Of Industry and Commerce )

Background/context The quality/SPS management of the NES strategy includes a detailed plan of action

agreed with stakeholders; this include the strengthening of the metrology service as

priority “1”. Within the framework of the implementation of NES priorities, in order to

enhance the capacity of ANSA and improvement of their metrology service, AAT

collaborated with The National Physical Laboratory of India (NPLI) to organise a three

– week training attachment programme for ANSA laboratory staff (three technicians

from the laboratory) in May 2018.

Given that ANSA’s Metrology Department is in its early stages of establishing the

industrial and legal metrology functions, the project agreed to support the Head of

Metrology in ANSA with a two-week training programme, provided by the

Measurement Units, Standards and Services Department of the Ministry of Industry

and Commerce in Sri Lanka. The purpose of this technical assistance activity is to

showcase good practices of other countries and demonstrate the different procedures

in place that can be used as a model in Afghanistan.

Results

Enabled a better understanding of the Sri Lankan and international legal metrology

framework, and supported the review of the regulatory framework in the development

of a plan to set up the legal metrology system in Afghanistan.

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400

Technical and Logistic Arrangement

Workshop Objectives were clear and…

The Presenters Capability

Participation in Discussions

Relvancy to My Business

Adequate Time for Each Subject

My knowledge of the Subjects was…

Overall Satisfaction from the workshop

Total

Participants' Evaluation

Strictly Disagree Disagree Abstention Agree Fully Agree

75

The training comprised of both theoretical and practical sessions that enhanced the

knowledge and provided practical exposure. This shall further enable them to

operationalize the equipment in the metrology laboratories in Afghanistan and

develop a road map for improvement and implementation.

Stakeholder


Mr. Mohammad Reza Khademi, Head Of Metrology Department, ANSA

Participant evaluation The participant found the training as “very helpful” considering the lack of sufficient

knowledge on legal metrology.


Training Programme; Mission report; Participant evaluation form; Certificate of

completion



achievement


Title Food safety training and follow ups

Date/Location Training: 27 January to 8 February 2019, (Various parts of India)

Follow up activities: February - May 2019

Implementing partners Food Safety and Standards Authority of India FSSAI; MAIL

Background/context The training was authorized by the Government of India, hosted and implemented in

partnership with FSSAI under the overall guidance of AAT between 27 January to 8

February 2019 for 9 officials from the relevant Afghan ministries and authorities. It

was initiated to provide the basis to strengthening the food safety control system in

Afghanistan that lead to a number of results below.

Results

The training through FSSAI has helped the participants to achieve the following results:

- Gained an in-depth understanding of the food safety control system in India; - Obtained practical exposure of how food safety control system is effectively

carried out; - Familiarized to international guidelines for strengthening national food safety

control systems; - Drafted a proposal and action plan to link the training activities / sessions to

the development and enforcement of the food safety control system in Afghanistan.

- As a result of this training, a concept note on the Establishment an Effective National Food Control System was drafted and distributed for comments with different ministries. It provides a proposal for Food Control System and its elements on strategic and regulatory level.

- An assessment of the current food safety system of Afghanistan with recommendations for strengthening.it conducted by and ITC International Expert based on meetings and consultations with stakeholders (MoPH, MAIL, MoIC, MoF, ANSA, ACCI, AWCCI).

- Willingness by some donors collected to review the road map for strengthening the food safety system.

- Buy-in mobilised and information for developing a road map for strengthening the food control system collected.

Stakeholder


9 technical staff members from various relevant ministries in Afghanistan attended

the training in India

76

More than 30 stakeholders from public and private sector and donors consulted

during the mission of the ITC expert.

Participant evaluation Overall the FSSAI workshop was evaluated as ‘very good and useful’ by the

participants which helped them to learn the main principles on food safety.

Several stakeholders being interviewed confirmed the need for the activity conducted

by ITC Expert.


Workshop programme; Mission report; Participant evaluation;

Concept Note, Videos



achievement



interventions: 2

Title SPS and TBT training Workshops for NNA and NEPs

Date/Location 23-28 February, 2019, Kabul

Implementing partners MAIL; MoIC; ANSA; MoPH, Afghan Raisin, Fruits, Vegetables Export Promotion

Administration, EPAA


reinforcement needs identified, AAT is providing technical assistance to strengthen

and operationalise the Afghan SPS and TBT NEPs and NNA.

AAT conducted a survey of the SPS and TBT NEPs and NNA which identified certain

needs; in particular gaps in knowledge and skills in notification and enquiry

procedures, absence of training, and lack of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

to carry out the said functions, as well as on understanding of the notification alert

system “ePing”. To address these constraints, a practical training of the NEPs, NNA

and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) was planned, with the

development of SOPs for SPS and TBT NNA and NEPs.

Results Increased awareness, knowledge and understanding of WTO, SPS and TBT

agreements and transparency provisions and procedures of the agreements was

enhanced;

Enhanced application of the provisions of SPS and TBT agreements leading to

compliance to obligations in the agreements;

The SPS and TBT NNA SOPs and SPS and TBT NEPs SOPs; ToRs for National

TBT and SPS Committees were prepared and validated by stakeholders;


Stakeholder


Stakeholders from different relevant ministries as MoIC, ACCI, Ministry of Agriculture

and Livestock, ANSA, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology,

MoPH, National Environment Protection Agency, Ministry of Public Works, Ministry

of Energy and Water, Afghan Raisin, Fruits, Vegetables Export Promotion

Administration

77

Participant evaluation Overall the workshop was positively evaluated with many participants expressing

need for further support


Mission workplan, Training programme for stakeholders’ sensitization workshop on

the transparency provisions of WTO Agreements on SPS and TBT; detailed mission

report. Draft notifications



achievement


Title Training and coaching on metrology

Date/Location 6 April - 25 April 2019

ANSA & UN compound Kabul


Background/context Within the framework of the implementation of NES priorities, in order to enhance

the capacity of ANSA and improvement of their metrology service, training and

capacity building was provided to ANSA.

ANSA requested hands-on training on the operationalization of the metrology

equipment and its laboratories for both industrial and legal metrology to better apply

the knowledge gained abroad through the previous trainings provided.

The previous training consisted in a three – week training attachment programme

for ANSA laboratory staff in New Delhi in 2018 by the National Physical Laboratory

of India (NPLI) and two-week training programme for the Head of Metrology at ANSA

provided by the Measurement Units, Standards and Services Department under the

Ministry of Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka.

Results

Built knowledge, skills and practical working in field of verification and calibration to

technicians of ANSA metrology department.

Assisted in capacity building of ANSA metrology lab by teaching technicians using

of the equipment for calibration in the field of mass according to OIML R 111-1,

length, volume and verification of weighting instruments according to OIML R 76-1,

fuel dispenser according to OIML R 117-1.

Dissemination of knowledge: trainees received soft copy of all documents related to

training, SOPs, raw data sheet form, uncertainty excel sheet programmed with

formulas, calibration certificate form, verification certificate form, international

standards and additional materials for calibration and verification mass, length,

volume, weighting instruments, fuel dispensers.

At the end of the training program trainees could work using equipment in metrology

labs. They made calibration for micrometer, caliper, weights, volumetric glassware

and weighting instrument by using raw data sheet form to record results, using

uncertainty excel sheet and issuing calibration and verification certificates.

Stakeholder


9 ANSA staff

78



Training evaluation

Training programme

Mission report



achievement



interventions: 1

Title Awareness raising materials on AAT quality work

Date/Location August, 2018 – March, 2019 / Kabul, Delhi

Implementing partners ANSA, Second Vice President Office and International Trade Centre (ITC)

Background/context Since the commencement of the AAT project, in order to communicate and raise

awareness on the work that is being done under the project short feature films of

our interventions and stakeholder interviews have been undertaken through film.

Likewise in the area of quality management, it was considered necessary to raise

and awareness and communicate often more complicated subject matter.

Results

Increased awareness and understanding of issues related to raising quality

standards and export development.

79


Short film: Growing Afghan exports by developing food safety authority (7.45

minutes)

Food safety training participant interviews (2 – 3 minutes):

Training programe for Afghan officials at FSSAI India:

Better understanding roles in Afghan food safety (Interview with Sayed Reza

Sadat, Plant Pathologist, MAIL)

Learning from the Indian experience in food safety (Interview with Ahmad

Rashed Ahmadyar, Food Safety General Manager, MoPH)

Exploring key challenges in Afghan food safety (Interview with Ahmad Faridon,

SPS Focal Point, MAIL

Short film: Improving knowledge on meteorology to grow Afghan exports (5:30

minutes)

Training on metrology for ANSA officials in India (key interviews):

Improving knowledge on meteorology to grow Afghan exports

Market access opportunities through improved quality standards (interview

with Dur Mohammad Sangin, Metrologist, ANSA.)

Learning from Indian experience in metrology (Interview with Mohammad

Yasemi, General Manager, Metrology Lab, ANSA.



achievement


interventions: 1

Title Workshop on Implementation of Standard Development and Promotion

Procedure

Date/Location

May 12, 2019, ANSA premises, Kabul


Background/context AAT is providing technical assistance in implementation of priorities of the NES with

focus on quality management, SPS infrastructure and regional regulatory

cooperation.

The procedure for development and promotion of standards was developed in 2017

with the technical assistance of AAT. The procedure is in the agenda of the next

meeting of Supreme Council of Standards (SCS). In order to make sure that

secretaries and chairmen of Technical Committees (TCs) get familiarized with the

new procedure and facilitate its implementation, the workshop was conducted.

Results

The training helped to achieve the following results:

- Chairmen and secretaries of TCs gained an understanding of the new procedure.

- The new requirements e.g. enquiry stage, voting, etc. were elaborated.

- Some administrative forms were developed e.g. ballot form, Technical

Committees ToRs, etc.

- Next steps for endorsement and implementation of the procedure were discussed

80

Stakeholder


27 participants (1 female) including secretaries and chairmen of TCs


Agenda, presentation, list of participants, participants’ evaluation that will be part of

the mission report.



achievement


Title

ToT training for ANSA trainers for standardization awareness

Date/Location

May 15 – 16 2019, Kabul (ANSA offices)


Background/context In line with the implementation of priorities of the NES with focus on quality

management, SPS infrastructure, a training workshop was organized to build the

capacity of ANSA trainers to better implement comprehensive awareness program

across the country.

Results

The training helped ANSA trainers to: - Learn how to design and plan a training program - Assess the target audience and prepare training materials

- Improve their qualifications as trainers

Stakeholder


23 ANSA (1 female) trainers working the area standardization.


Training report; Agenda, presentation, participants’ evaluation; list of participants.



achievement


Title Workshop on ISO 9001:2015

Date/Location

May 19 – 21, 2019, Kabul (ANSA offices)


ANSA

Background/context Certification of management system is critical demand of Afghan businesses and

export sector in order to improve recognition and acceptance of their products in local

and international markets. The workshop on ISO 9001 was designed to improve the

knowledge and understanding of the international standard among ANSA staff

Results

Launching management system certification is considered to be a major step towards

recognition and acceptance of Afghan goods and services in local and international

81

markets. A broad understanding of ISO 9001 across ANSA is important to set the

foundation for certification services.

The workshop helped ANSA officials to:

1. Gain a deep understanding of ISO 9001:2015 and its requirements

2. Improve their knowledge of requirements as auditors

Stakeholder


32 ANSA officials attended the program


Meeting report; agenda, presentations; participant evaluation; list of participants.



achievement


Title Workshop on implementation of Technical Regulation (TR) procedure for ANSA

and Regulatory Bodies (RB)

Date/Location May 22, 2019, ANSA premises, Kabul


ANSA and Regulatory Bodies (RBs)

Background/context The AAT is providing technical assistance in implementation of priorities of the NES

with focus on Quality Management, SPS infrastructure and regional regulatory

cooperation.

The procedure for development of TRs was developed in 2017 with the technical

assistance of ITC. ANSA is planning to submit the procedure to Supreme Council of

Standards (SCS) for endorsement. In order to familiarize the RBs on the requirements

of the procedure for a unified procedure to develop and enforce TRs in the country,

the workshop was conducted for representatives of the regulatory bodies.

Results

Development and enforcement of TRs in compliance to the requirements of WTO

TBT Agreement is major commitment of Afghanistan and an important component of

Quality and SPS cross-sector strategy. The workshop helped to develop a common

understanding of the procedure for TR development and enforcement and the next

steps to be taken for implementation of the procedure.

The participants of the workshop:

1. Gained a thorough knowledge of WTO TBT Agreement

2. Got familiarized with the requirements of the new procedure

3. Discussed the next steps for endorsement and implementation of the procedure

Stakeholder


25 participants (1 female) from ANSA and regulatory bodies


82


Meeting report; Agenda, presentations; participant evaluation; list of participants.



achievement


Title

Training on ISO 17021:2015 Conformity Assessment

Date/Location 26 – 28 May 2019, Kabul (ANSA offices)


Background/context The AAT project is providing technical assistance in implementation of priorities of

the NES with focus on Quality Management, SPS infrastructure and regional

regulatory cooperation.

In order for ANSA to assess or launch certification services, compliance to ISO 17021

is a major requirement to ensure credibility and validity of the certificate. The

workshop was designed to provide a thorough understanding of the standard

requirements for different departments of ANSA.

Results

The participants of the workshop gained a thorough understanding of:

- The international standard ISO 17021:2015 on requirements for bodies providing

audit and certification of management system

- The requirements of the standard for certification bodies that ANSA needs to

consider while developing the service;

- The roadmap for implementation of the standard.

Stakeholder


20 participants from different departments of ANSA


Workshop report; agenda; presentations; participant evaluation; list of participants.



achievement


Title Workshop on the EU Food Safety Control System and EU Requirements for

Agro and Agro-processed Products

Date/Location 29 May 2019 – Kabul, Afghanistan


ACCI, MOIC

83

Background/context

Under AAT, ITC started to provide training and technical assistance to address the priority actions related to food safety control system of the NES.

As part of the AAT support related to food safety, during the mission of the ITC expert on food safety to develop a road map for strengthening the food safety control system a workshop on EU requirements was conducted.

Results

A Workshop was successfully conducted for government officials and private sector representatives on the EU food safety system and on EU import requirements for agri-food products. As a result, they became more knowledgeable on technical requirements.

Stakeholder


76 representatives from government agencies and the private sector participated in the Workshop held on 29 May 2019. About one fifth of them were women, most of them members of the Afghan Women Chamber of Commerce and industry.

Participant evaluation Not available yet: evaluations were submitted in Dari and are currently being reviewed.

Supporting documents Agenda, List of Participants, Participants Evaluation, Mission report, Flyer for the workshop, Pre-mission ToRs.



achievement


Title Study for packaging testing capacity building of laboratories in Saffron sector: a way forward to support SMEs to comply with international market standards

Date/Location

22 June 2019, Herat, Afghanistan


Directorate of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (DAIL)

Background/context Poor packaging and labelling is one of the main reasons for the failure of locally manufactured products to enter market places and compete favorably on national and export markets. In order to enter new market places, SMEs need to ensure their finished products meet regulatory and distributors / exporters requirement and reach the intended market in perfect condition. At the packaging design stage, to define the expiry date of the product, at reception of incoming packaging materials or to prevent damages during the supply chain, laboratories can provide support to SMEs with relevant packaging testing tools and equipment for quality assurance and quality control purposes.

The objective of the study is to identify the required packaging testing capacities of laboratories to support value added activities and propose solutions to SMEs to comply with international requirements (quality & packaging) in saffron sector.

Topics of the study:

1. Analysis of typical packaging systems on key international markets (product

for sale, grouping and transportation, named primary, secondary and tertiary

packaging)

84

2. Define criteria to select the most pertinent packaging systems to be

considered by the Saffron producers located in Afghanistan for the targeted

markets (Europe, India, Asia)

3. Selection of the most recommended packaging systems

4. Identification of typical tests on packaging

5. Define criteria to select the important tests to perform on the three levels of

packaging

6. Establish the list of the recommended tests

7. Identify suppliers of equipment and collect quotations from different vendors

8. Define the methodology for the implementation phase in existing quality

laboratories (equipment, training, etc).

Results

A roadmap allowing to plan the consolidation of an existing laboratory to better

support SMEs to become compliant for the international markets


Study report covering the topics listed above



achievement

Number of advisory services provided to implement the identified priority interventions: 1

Title Workshop: restitution of the study for ‘’packaging testing capacity building of laboratories in Saffron sector: a way forward to support SMEs to comply with international market standards’’

Date/Location

22 June 2019, Herat


Directorate of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (DAIL)

Background/context Poor packaging and labelling is one of the main reasons for the failure of locally manufactured products to enter market places and compete favorably on national and export markets. In order to enter new market places, SMEs need to ensure their finished products meet regulatory and distributors / exporters requirement and reach the intended market in perfect condition. At the packaging design stage, to define the expiry date of the product, at reception of incoming packaging materials or to prevent damages during the supply chain, laboratories can provide support to SMEs with relevant packaging testing tools and equipment for quality assurance and quality control purposes.

Results

Knowledge built on how Saffron producers, processors and cooperatives could

benefit from quality testing laboratories for their packaging systems, and how they

could have access to tools and equipment to become compliant to international trade

requirement.

Recommendations provided on how to improve packaging capacities and the best

way to make new and innovative capacities available.

Stakeholder


ANSU, DAIL, University of Herat, Private sector companies

85


Meeting report, agenda, evaluation form, presentations



achievement


Sub-output: 3. 2: Building performance: Export Promotion Agency of Afghanistan (EPAA)

Title Consultation mission to develop assessment of EPAA for development of

Readiness Roadmap

Activity

Date/Location Main Achievements Contributing to Indictor

Sub-output: 3. 2: Building performance: EPAA

Consultation mission to

develop assessment of

EPAA for development of

Readiness Roadmap

27-31 July, 2018,

Kabul

Stakeholders consulted

with to most optimally

assess EPAA

Advisory services provided to

implement the identified priority

interventions: 1

Assessment Report and

Readiness Roadmap for

EPAA

August, 2018 –

January 2019

Kabul / Geneva

EPAA’s strengths and

weaknesses identified

and recommendations

made.



interventions: 1

EPAA/ITC teleconference

(Advisory service)

7 May, 2019

Geneva/Kabul

ITC expertise conveyed

on the institutional

performance of EPAA,

with recommendations

provided on how to

improve (including

immediate activities

implemented under AAT)

given the realities on the

institution.


implement the identified

priority interventions: 1

86

Date 27-31 July, 2018, Kabul

Implementing partners ITC; EPAA

Background/context The AAT Work plan commencing May 2018, aimed to implement aspects of the government-approved NES. One aspect was the identified need for further support for EPAA to allow it to improve its managerial and operational capacities to deliver effective and efficient trade support services to its stakeholders, and to undertake its role in implementing the NES.

AAT support began with an assessment of the processes and performance of EPAA. This was done using an independent and objective approach that determines efficiency and effectiveness in relation to the good business practices of similar organizations globally.

To undertake the assessment, a combination of benchmark self-assessment (online) by CEO and staff, plus a visit to EPAA to interview and confirm results was carried out. This provides information to analyse EPAA capacity and make recommendations for improvement through readiness roadmap.

Results Stakeholders consulted with to most optimally assess EPAA


Mission report



achievement

Advisory services provided to implement the identified priority interventions: 1

87

Title Assessment Report and Readiness Roadmap for Export Promotion

Agency of Afghanistan (EPAA)

Date August, 2018 – January 2019

Implementing

partners

ITC; EPAA

Background/context The AAT Workplan commencing May 2018, aimed to implement aspects of the

government-approved NES. One aspect was the identified need for further

support for EPAA to allow it to improve its managerial and operational

capacities to deliver effective and efficient trade support services to its

stakeholders, and to undertake its role in implementing the NES.

AAT support began with an assessment of the processes and performance of

EPAA. This was done using an independent and objective approach that

determines efficiency and effectiveness in relation to the good business

practices of similar organizations globally.

To develop the report, stakeholder consultations were undertaken in July 2018

in Kabul, alongside a remote assessment methodology. This methodology

considers the four key areas of 1) Leadership and Direction; 2) Resources and

Processes; 3) Products and Service Delivery; and 4) Measurement and

Results.

Results In the resulting report, EPAA’s strengths and weaknesses were identified

across these areas. The report recommended activities to address performance

gaps, as part of a customized Performance Readiness Roadmap that outlines

a work plan for its implementation with division of responsibilities, budget and

delivery mechanisms.

Agreement found with EPAA on the assessment report and readiness roadmap

and areas AAT can provide capacity building and advisory support in selected

priority areas under current project implementation

Supporting

documents

Assessment Report and Readiness Roadmap for EPAA.


programmes

indicator’s

achievement


88

Sub-output 3.3: Increase access to finance for Afghan SMEs in the saffron sector

Title EPAA/ITC teleconference (Advisory service)

Date/location 7 May / remotely via teleconference Geneva & Kabul

Implementing

partners

ITC; EPAA

Background/context Conference call between MOIC and ITC held on 7 May in which EPAA Institutional Strengthening was discussed. The purpose of the meeting was to inform the MoIC and EPAA new personnel (high-level) on the results of the EPAA institutional assessment carried out, and consider what further support should be carried out under the AAT project.

Results

ITC expertise conveyed on the institutional performance of EPAA, with

recommendations provided on how to improve (including immediate activities

implemented under AAT) given the realities on the institution.

Supporting

documents

Minutes of meeting

Contribution

towards

programmes

indicator’s

achievement


Activity


Sub-output 3.3: Increase access to finance for Afghan SMEs in the saffron sector.

Advisory services

provided to ANSGU to

better support SMEs

to access finance

5-30 June, 2019,

Remotely

ANSGU developed know-

how to recruit and

manage the work of

FMCs, as well as how to

mobilise funding as an

SME support institution.

Number of advisory services

provided to implement the

identified priority interventions:

1

Financial Management

Counsellors (FMCs)

are selected to coach

SMEs to access

finance

April - June 2019;

Herat / Geneva

Key human resources of 5 FMCs are identified




1

Training/coaching

material on financial

literacy and SME

coaching is adapted to

the Afghan context

01-18 June 2019;

Remotely

Geneva / Kabul

Key learning resource

provided: 8 ITC generic

modules and two tools

were adapted and

translated in Dari




1

Workshop for FMCs

on Access to Finance

22 – 23 June, 2019,

Herat

5 FMCs have been trained to coach SMEs

Number of trainings delivered

to identified institutions: 1

89

Title Advisory services provided to ANSGU to better support SMEs to

access finance

Date/Location 05-30 June, 2019; Remotely

Implementing partners ANSGU; Remotely

Background/context AAT partnered with ANSGU to deliver quality trainings and advisory services

to member SMEs and cooperatives to improve access capital. ANSGU will

work with FMCs who will be tasked to improve the financial and business

management of SMEs, develop bankable business plans and handhold

them to the appropriate financial sources, products and services.

Results

ANGSU developed know-how on how to recruit and manage the work of

FMCs, as well as how to mobilise funding as an SME support institution.


Grant MOU



achievement


interventions: 1

Title Financial Management Counsellors (FMCs) are selected to coach

SMEs to access finance

Date/Location April - June 2019

Implementing partners ANGSU

Background/context As part of the partnership between AAT and ANGSU five FMCs have been

selected to deliver quality trainings and advisory services to ANGSU SMEs

and cooperatives to improve access capital. Those FMCs will improve the

financial and business management of SMEs, develop bankable business

plans and handhold them to the appropriate financial sources, products and

services

Results

Key human resources of 5 FMCs are identified


Profiles of selected FMCs



achievement


interventions: 1

15 SMEs have been

trained in financial literacy

and FMC coaching

90

Title Training/coaching material on financial literacy and SME coaching is

adapted to the Afghan context

Date/Location 01-18 June 2019; Remotely


Background/context The AAT project provided a SME Diagnostic tool, a business plan template

and the following modules to the national trainer for adaption and translation

in Dari:

1. Overview of Effective Business Management

2. Bookkeeping, Financial Records, Financial Statement and Financial

Performance

3. Working Capital Management

4. Preparation of Cash flow Projections and Measuring Financial

Performance

5. Doing Business in my Country and Tax

6. Sources of Finance

7. Development and Importance of Business Plans

Results

Key learning resource provided: 8 ITC generic modules and two tools were

adapted and translated in Dari


Modules and tools



achievement


interventions: 1

Title

Workshop for FMCs on Access to Finance

Date/Location 22-23 June 2019, Herat, Afghanistan


Background/context Workshop considered needed for FMCs to better understand the

expectations for the SME coaching, the coaching and financial literacy

trainings to be provided to SMEs. Financial solutions and requirements were

also covered.

Results

5 FMCs have been trained to coach SMEs 15 SMEs have been trained in financial literacy and FMC coaching

Stakeholder


5 FMCs (all males)

15 SMEs (including 3 women)

3 ITC representatives

1 ANGSU official (President)

Participant evaluation FMCs found the workshop very important and relevant to their assignment

and feel the knowledge acquired will help them support efficiently assigned

SMEs.

91

SMEs found the workshop very informative and look forward to receiving

FMCs.


Modules and tools

Attendance list

Evaluation forms



achievement




Title

SEEN Institutional Strengthening Workshop

Date

29-31 October 2018

Location

Dubai, EAU


SEEN Start-ups and Emerging Entrepreneurs Network

Background/context

SEEN’s mission is to provide policy advocacy and awareness raising support to entrepreneurs in Afghanistan. Recently registered in 2018, SEEN is an association of entrepreneurs that have begun to influence national-level policies on behalf of start-ups, primarily related to taxation, business licensing and telecom pricing. These issues were elaborated by Afghan start-ups through a survey conducted in 2017 by SEEN. In addition, a start-up policy is currently being formulated. A key priority of SEEN is to obtain endorsement of this policy, which places importance on infrastructure support, entrepreneurial communities and start-up friendly policies. SEEN, given its position at the High Council in Afghanistan, is able to effectively

Activity




SEEN Institutional

Readiness Roadmap

Workshop

Dubai / 29-31

November 2018

Completion of

benchmarking

assessment of SEEN

Institutional strengthening

workshop conducted for

SEEN founding members

based on priority areas

identified through the

benchmarking results

Number of trainings delivered to

identified institutions: 1

SEEN official

launching ceremony

Kabul / 15 June

2019

SEEN officially launched

and promoted as a Start

up association



interventions: 1

92

hold open dialogue with the government on policy issues relevant to start-ups.

Considering that SEEN is a new institution, there are limited formal structures and mechanisms in place yet.

SEEN’s operational and managerial capacity was assessed using ITC’s Benchmarking methodology, receiving an overall score of 8.32%, which placed it in the weak category of organizational performance. However, this score is to be considered in the context that the institution has been established only for few months. As SEEN grows its operations and membership, improvements are required in strategy, service portfolio, measurement systems, human resources and processes.

Results SEEN has completed an institutional assessment and a workshop was conducted with some founding members of SEEN to further develop SEEN’s purpose, governance framework, strategy, service portfolio and potential for partnerships.

In the context of the project, areas of priority support were identified such as organizing a launching event, conduct a survey of entrepreneurs and start-ups in five major hubs of Afghanistan (Kabul, Mazar, Nangarhar, Herat, Kandahar); conduct a membership campaign with talks to potential members.

Finally, through this workshop, it was agreed to conduct a training workshop for youth in Herat aiming at supporting entrepreneurship in the saffron sector.

Stakeholder


SEEN is an association of entrepreneurs that have begun to influence

national-level policies on behalf of start-ups, primarily related to taxation,

business licensing and telecom pricing

Participant evaluation Workshop was rated, in average, between 4 (good) and 5 (very good) by

the participants.


Workshop evaluations; Institutional readiness roadmap report; self-

assessment, workshop training materials, list of participants.



achievement


Title SEEN launch

Date 15 June 2019

Location Kabul, Afghanistan

Implementing partners SEEN

Background/context This launching event had the purpose to be the first of its kind to support

start-ups by providing a platform to start-ups, organizations supporting them

but also youth to be exposed to potential role models and finally advocate

for a more conducive business environment in Afghanistan for young start-

uppers.

Results Widespread awareness on SEEN and its ambitions. Including: Over 200

participants in attendance; Strong media coverage. Including coverage on

Ariana TV and 1TV. Additionally social media coverage received – including

on the Facebook of Ministry of Economy, SEEN, ACE and AAT.

93

Stakeholder


SEEN is an association of entrepreneurs that have begun to influence

national-level policies on behalf of start-ups, primarily related to taxation,

business licensing and telecom pricing


Press article; agenda.



achievement

Advisory services provided to implement the identified priority interventions:

1

OUTPUT 4: Knowledge sharing mechanisms for GIRoA staff on trade policy/negotiation formulation and implementation are established in partnership with a training institute from the Region

At the outset of the AAT programme, a partnership arrangement between MoIC, CWS and ITC was signed. It

was agreed that CWS would deliver “Afghanistan, WTO and International Trade Programme” over an

approximately two-year period commencing in April 2017 and end not later than 30 June 2019. The programme

was aimed at building the capacity of MoIC and other trade-related ministries and implementing

agencies/government officers. CWS and MoIC will work together so as to ensure local ownership for the

training programme is built so that it can be implemented locally following the involvement of CWS.

It was agreed that the programme will cover, amongst other things, trade analysis, trade diplomacy, trade

litigation and professional monitoring of compliance and effects of trade agreements. In-class training will be

followed up by an “on the job” coaching providing targeted support to the participating officers. By the end of

the programme, participants will be expected to have enhanced their understanding of the professional skills

in these areas.

As a first activity, a need assessment was initiated of the current level of technical capacities of the country’s

officers in responding to multilateral, regional and bilateral obligations stemming from WTO and other trade

agreements. In addition, gaps were identified in the skills of officers and institutions in formulating, coordinating

and implementing trade policy/regulatory reforms and preparing for and conducting trade negotiations. The

results of the need assessment would further inform the training curriculum developed under the programme.

In short, the following activities were undertaken under the first and second year of the project.

First year:

Overall: Afghanistan’s MoIC partners with Indian CWS

Needs assessment for Trade Policy and Trade Negotiations Training and Certification for Government

Officials in Afghanistan

Second year:

Under: Activity 4.2: Governmental officers training programme is designed and implemented

- Introductory Training (As part of Afghanistan, WTO)

- First Advanced Training (As part of Afghanistan, WTO and International Trade Programme

- Second Advanced Training (As part of Afghanistan, WTO and International Trade Programme

- Third Advanced Training (As part of Afghanistan, WTO and International Trade Programme)

- Study Tour (As part of Afghanistan, WTO and International Trade Programme)

- Advisory services (As part of Afghanistan, WTO and International Trade Programme)

- Internship programme (As part of Afghanistan, WTO and International Trade Programme

Under: Activity 4.3: Training modules on trade policy are developed in cooperation with Afghan Universities

94

- Mentorship (As part of Afghanistan, WTO and International Trade Programme)

- Development of training material (As part of Afghanistan, WTO and International Trade Programme)

The following details progress under the third year.

Activity Date/location Main Achievements Contributing to indicator

Activity 4.2: Governmental officers training programme is designed and implemented

Introductory Training

(As part of Afghanistan,

WTO and International

Trade Programme)

27 – 31 August,

2018, Delhi,

India

18 stakeholders built

knowledge on the key

concepts of the WTO and

its agreement (all passing

text)

Participants exposed to

teachings of leading

international institute.

Number of Afghan participants

successfully passing trainers'

assessment


(women) successfully passing

trainers' assessment

Number of meetings: 1

First Advanced

Training (As part of

Afghanistan, WTO and

International Trade

Programme)

22-26 October,

2018, Delhi,

India


knowledge in advanced

trade policy matters (all

passing test)






assessment



trainers' assessment:


Second Advanced



International Trade

Programme)

17-21

December,

2019, Delhi,

India




passing text)






assessment





Third Advanced



International Trade

Programme)

11-15 March

2019, Delhi,

India




passing text)






assessment





95

Study Tour (As part of


International Trade

Programme)

18 - 22 March,

2019, Delhi.

India

17 participants learnt the

Indian practice of trade

policy formulation,

implementation, trade

negotiations and trade

promotion in India, by

visiting nine key Ministries/

organisations involved in

these areas.



assessment





Advisory services (As

part of Afghanistan,


Trade Programme)

Ongoing

Mechanism for attending

to requests from

participants utilised

through Trade Policy

Hotline;

Technical support

provided on range on trade

policy matters.

Not applicable

Internship programme

(As part of


International Trade

Programme)

20 May – 06

June, 2019

Delhi. India

Two best performing

participants were identified

following regular

assessments by CWS

Programme for interns

designed by CWS and

agreed by MoIC

Valedictory Function

(As part of


International Trade

Programme)

22 March, 2019

All 20 participants receive

certificates of completion

and high level recognition.

Comprehensive

knowledge enhancement

of participants through

leading regional

institutions



assessment: 20



trainers' assessment: 2

Activity 4.3: Training modules on trade policy are developed in cooperation with Afghan Universities

Mentorship (As part of


International Trade

Programme)

Ongoing

2 Kabul University officers

received to build their

knowledge as trainers to

potentially deliver training

programme "Afghanistan,


Trade"

Number of trainers and/or

regional resource persons trained

: 2

96

Title Introductory Training and Inauguration for Second Intake to undertake

CWS programme

Date/Location 27 – 31 August, 2018, Delhi, India,

Implementing partners CWS (India based); MoIC; ITC

Background/context The initiative is aimed at building Afghan capacity (MoIC) in the area of trade

policy formulation and implementation (with a particular focus on WTO

agreements and their implementation, including in the Afghan context). The

programme, is being implemented in partnership with the Delhi based Centre

for WTO studies (CWS) under the overall guidance on ITC.

This was the first training of the programme, with 20 Afghan participants

attending. It was inaugurated by Ms. Kamila Sidiqi, the Deputy Minister of

Industry and Commerce, Government of Afghanistan. Ms. Rita Teaotia,

Commerce Secretary, Government of India also graced the occasion.

Results As an introductory course, 18 stakeholders were familiarised on the following

topics:

Key concepts of the WTO and its agreements; Types of data, and sources

of data, relevant for international trade; Economic rationale for international

trade, introduction to WTO and FTAs; Afghanistan in world trade; Basic

provisions of GATT; Agreement on Agriculture and understanding country-

level schedules, trade remedies, policy flexibilities under Agreement on

Subsidies and Countervailing Measures; Standards and SPS-TBT

agreements; GATS and understanding services schedule of commitments;

Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights and

flexibilities thereunder; Trade litigation and WTO's Dispute Settlement;

Understanding and role of research and stakeholder consultations in trade

policy making.

Local training course -


International Trade

Programme – in

operation

Ongoing

Course curriculum

"Afghanistan, WTO and

International Trade”

approved by Kabul

University

Training programme

delivered to over 130 Y4

students of the Kabul

University Faculty of

Economics from April,

2019 onwards..




assessment




97

Participants were regularly tested throughout the training and overall all (20)

received a past mark.

High-level recognition of the importance of the training programme as attend

by Afghan Deputy Minister of Commerce and Commerce Secretary,

Government of India.

Stakeholder/ participant

information

18 participants – drawn from MOIC, EPAA, Afghan Mission to WTO, Kabul

University.

2 women participants.


Training report; course materials; news article.



achievements


Number of Afghan participants (women) successfully passing trainers'

assessment


Title First Advanced Training

Date/Location 22-26 October, 2018, Delhi, India


Background/ context The initiative is aimed at building Afghan capacity, particularly MoIC in the

area of trade policy formulation and implementation (with a particular focus

on WTO agreements and their implementation, including in the Afghan

context). The programme, is being implemented in partnership with the Delhi

based Centre for WTO studies (CWS) under the overall guidance on ITC.

This second training followed a prior introductory training held between 27 –

31 August, 2018.

Results 19 participants were familiarized on the following topics:

- Introduction to basics of trade data- Trade Classification Systems, such

as HS, ISIC, SITC and BEC; Detailed discussion of the Harmonised

System of Nomenclature; WTO tariff profile and Multilateral Trade

Negotiation (MTN) Product categorisation; and basic excel exercises on

“Vlookup” function and generation of “Pivot” tables.

- World Integrated Trade Solutions (WITS) and analysis of trade data of

Afghanistan- generating WITS Query; basic grouping tasks in WITS

query; query on MFN tariffs, mapping tariffs with HS codes; and linking

trade data with MFN tariff data.

- Practical exercise on trade data analysis- creating product and country

grouping; creation of SAARC group and assessment of the trade with

world; exercise on working with mirror data in WITS; exercise on direction

98

of trade; exercise on trade indicators and tariff schedules; and exercise

on Bound Rate, Applied Rate and tariff overhang.

- Market access and trade composition- composition of Afghanistan's

exports and imports (using mirror data) for MTN product group; and

direction of trade.

- Market access and trade indicators - identifying MTN category of low

share but high growth; and demonstration of calculation on trade balance,

unit value and revealed comparative advantage (RCA); and

Afghanistan’s WTO tariff commitments and FTA.

- WTO Agreement on Agriculture - why study AoA; importance of AoA for

Afghanistan; 3 pillars of AoA; Afghanistan's Tariff Schedule.

- Domestic support (DS) - Green box, Amber box and other components

of DS; Afghanistan's commitments on DS; DS notification template; DS

notification of Afghanistan; analysis of some DS programmes; discussion

of WTO’s Committee on Agriculture (CoA) and responding to questions

in CoA.

- Export Competition – theoretical consideration on export subsidies;

flexibility as an LDC; and Afghanistan’s Schedule on export subsidies.

- Brief discussion of Doha negotiations.

- Practical Exercises on Agreement on Agriculture – notifications; WTO

Tool kit; AG-IMS; compliance of notifications; questions and answer

raised in Committee on Agriculture (AG-IMS).

- Data Sources for Agriculture – FAOSTAT; USDA; GAIN reports; World

Bank; and Index Mundi.

- Review of key principles of GATT and practical exercise on key principles

of GATT.

Participants were regularly tested throughout the training and overall all (19)



information


University.


Supporting documents Training report; course materials.



achievements



assessment


99

Title Second Advanced Training

Location 17-21 December, 2018, Delhi, India

Implementing partners CWS (India based); MOIC; ITC

Background/ context The initiative is aimed at building Afghan capacity (MoIC) in the area of

trade policy formulation and implementation (with a particular focus on

WTO agreements and their implementation, including in the Afghan

context). The programme, is being implemented in partnership with the

Delhi based Centre for WTO studies (CWS) under the overall guidance on

ITC.

This second training followed a prior introductory and first advanced

training.


- Anti-Dumping Agreement: Detailed provisions, jurisprudence, practical

exercises (problems related to standing, various steps in dumping

margin calculations and overall dumping margin using average-to-

average and transaction-to-transaction methodologies) and WTO

notification requirements.

- Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures: Detailed

provisions, jurisprudence, practical exercises (type of financial

contribution, specificity and treatment of fiscal concessions) and WTO


- Agreement on Safeguards: Detailed provisions, jurisprudence, practical

exercises and WTO notification requirements.

- SPS and TBT Agreement: Detailed provisions, domestic requirements,

jurisprudence, practical exercises and WTO notification requirements.

- General Agreement on Trade in Services: Detailed provisions,

jurisprudence, practical exercises (identifying national interest in

Services, and scheduling of commitments in Services) and WTO


- RTAs: Overview of RTAs, notification obligations, and discussion of

TPP, TTIP and RCEP.


information

20 participants – drawn from MoIC, EPAA, Afghan Mission to WTO, Kabul

University.


Supporting documents Training report; course materials; press release.



achievements



assessment


100

Title Third Advanced Training

Date / Location 11-15 March 2019, Delhi, India


Background/ context The initiative is aimed at building Afghan capacity (particularly MoIC) in the

area of trade policy formulation and implementation (with a particular focus

on WTO agreements and their implementation, including in the Afghan

context). The programme, is being implemented in partnership with the

Delhi based Centre for WTO studies (CWS) under the overall guidance on

ITC.

This third training followed a prior introductory as well as first and second

advanced trainings. Each day was divided into four sessions of 90 minutes.

The participants were provided with extended time for lunch (75 minutes),

in order to facilitate visits to the library.


- TRIPS Agreement: Detailed provisions; flexibilities; case studies;

TRIPS and public health; case studies on TRIPS and public health.

- Dispute Settlement Understanding: Detailed provisions;

procedures and case studies.

- Important aspects of the TFA at the WTO.

- Negotiating strategies: Definition; types; strategies used by

different countries and responses; preparing for negotiations and

simulation exercise.

- Policy flexibilities under WTO: Detailed provisions under GATT,

TRIMS, Subsidies Agreement and TRIPS Agreement; case

studies.

- New issues at the WTO: Electronic commerce.

- Regulatory impact assessment: Theoretical approaches and

practical application.

Participants were regularly tested throughout the training and overall all



information

20 participants – drawn from MIC, EPAA, Afghan Mission to WTO, Kabul

University.


Supporting documents Training report; course materials; News article



achievements



assessment


101

Title Study Tour

Location 18 - 22 March, 2019, 2018, Delhi, India

Implementing partners CWS (India based); MOIC; ITC

Background/ context The initiative is aimed at building Afghan capacity (particularly the Ministry

of Industry and Commerce - MoIC) in the area of trade policy formulation

and implementation (with a particular focus on WTO agreements and their

implementation, including in the Afghan context). The programme, is being

implemented in partnership with the Delhi based Centre for WTO studies

(CWS) under the overall guidance of ITC.

During the Study Tour, the participants were divided into four groups and each group spent three days at four different Indian institutions, allocated on the basis of their area of interest and work. These institutions were:

- Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) - Indian Patent Office is administered by the Office of the Controller

General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks - Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development

Authority (APEDA) - Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)

Results Participants leant the Indian practice of trade policy formulation,

implementation, trade negotiations and trade promotion in India, by visiting

nine key Ministries/ organisations involved in these areas.


information


University.


Supporting documents Training report; course materials; News article



achievements


Title Internship programme

Implementing partners CWS, New Delhi, India

May/June 2019

Background/context As part of the Afghanistan, WTO and International Trade Programme, CWS

offered internships to two participants from Batch II of the training

programme. The participants selected for this year’s internship were Ms

Shabnam Hamra and Mr. Shabir Stanikzai. The two participants interned at

the Centre for WTO Studies from 20 May to 14 June 2019. Taking into

account the feedback received after last year’s internship programme, and

in consultation with Afghanistan’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry

(MoIC), it was decided that each intern will work on a particular project during

the course of their internship. The topic of the project was chosen

considering the inputs received from MoIC. The interns interacted with the

102

relevant faculty Members and prepared a Note on the topic assigned to them

for MoIC’s use. The details of the project undertaken by the two interns are

briefly provided below.

Results Ms. Shabnam Hamra

Ms Hamra undertook a detailed legal, political and financial analysis of the

transit restrictions imposed by Pakistan on goods destined from India to

Afghanistan via its territory. Ms Hamra worked closely with Ms Shailja Singh,

Associate Professor, Centre (for the legal and political analysis) and with

Prof. Murali Kallummal, Professor, Centre (for the financial analysis). The

aim of the project was to undertake a comprehensive analysis of some of the

transit of goods related issues faced by Afghanistan in its neighbourhood

and to assess the WTO compatibility of the same. A thorough analysis of the

relevant provisions of the WTO Agreements was undertaken, along with the

corresponding jurisprudence. The project came up with recommendations

on how to address the issue, taking into account the relevant legal, political

and financial factors.

Mr. Shabir Stanikzai

Mr. Shabir Stanikzai worked closely with Prof. Murali Kallummal to undertake

the following analysis:

i. Analysis of Afghanistan’s Trade and Economy Profile:

As part of the task of writing a report on the economic and trade

profile of Afghanistan, Mr. Stanikzai worked on sources of for trade

data both at the domestic (Afghanistan’s Customs Department,

WITS and ITC UNCTAD).

ii. Trade Indicators

Trade indicators were created by destination and commodity to

access the performance of Afghanistan’s trade with twenty select

developing and developed countries.

iii. Identification of Untraceable Tariff Lines

Afghanistan tariff lines were reviewed and compiled with a view of

harmonisation with WCO HS system. This allowed Mr. Stanikzai to

narrow down and target nearly 100 HS 8-digit tariff lines wherein

the product description did not match with the HS codes or

otherwise. These would be addressed internally with the Customs

department of Afghanistan.


CWS report

Title Valedictory Function

Implementing partners CWS

Background/context As part of the Afghanistan, WTO and International Trade Programme, a

Valedictory Function was held to mark the completion of programme for

second intake. H.E. Mr. Ahmad Shoaib Habibi, Economic Counsellor,

Embassy of Afghanistan was the Chief Guest at the Valedictory Function.

He underscored the relevance of the ITC-CWS training for Afghanistan. He

was of the view that the training would enhance the human and institutional

capabilities of Afghanistan in addressing challenges arising for the accession

of the country to the WTO. Mr. Sudhanshu Pandey, Additional Secretary,

103

Department of Commerce, Government of India also graced the occasion

and emphasized on the importance of strong Indo-Afghan ties.

Results All 20 participants receive certificates of completion and high level

recognition.

Comprehensive knowledge enhancement of participants through leading

regional institutions

Supporting documents Meeting report; social media coverage.



achievements

Number of Afghan participants successfully passing trainers' assessment:

20


assessment: 2

Activity 4.3: Training modules on trade policy are developed in cooperation with Afghan Universities

Title Mentorship

Date/Location Ongoing / Delhi (In-person) and distance interactions

Implementing partners MoIC, ITC, CWS

Background/context As part of the partnership between MoIC and CWS a mentoring programme

would be implemented. CWS would work closely with the identified university

(ies)/institution(s) for developing curriculum on trade policies and

international trade. This would be done through a combination of in-person

interaction (as part of selected participant, one from each institution,

attending seven month “Afghanistan, WTO and International Trade

Programme”) and distance interactions through emails and Skype. Every

attempt would be made to use examples from Afghanistan to explain key

concepts in the module.

Accordingly, CWS conducted a mentorship programme for an additional two

Kabul University faculty members.

Additionally, CWS together with ITC interacted with Kabul University senior

faculty members to progress the development of the programme and be

responsive to the issues the university was facing. This included working on

providing a shorter programme to meet the university’s needs.

Results Kabul University has obtained a home-grown curriculum "Afghanistan, WTO

and International Trade” – in both long and short teaching forms.

Kabul university has built know-how of 2 faculty members on issues to do

with trade policy / WTO. Additionally they have the services of a high-level

expert from MoIC for teaching, who benefited from CWS trainings.


information

Kabul University – 2 faculty members

104


CWS report; short programme



achievements

Number of trainers and/or regional resource persons trained: 2

Title Kabul University teaching of Afghanistan, WTO and International

Trade Programme

Date/Location Distance / Delhi

Implementing partners CWS; MoIC

Background/context As part of the partnership between MoIC and CWS a mentoring programme

would be implemented. CWS would work closely with the identified university

(ies)/institution(s) for developing curriculum on trade policies and

international trade. This would be done through a combination of in-person

interaction (as part of selected participant, one from each institution,

attending seven month “Afghanistan, WTO and International Trade

Programme” and distance interactions through emails and Skype. Every

attempt would be made to use examples from Afghanistan to explain key

concepts in the module.

Accordingly throughout 2017 and 2018 “Afghanistan, WTO and International

Trade“, was developed by Kabul University through mentoring of Centre for

WTO Studies. The curriculum was approved by Kabul University for teaching

at the university.

Results - In April 2019 Kabul University commenced teaching the “Afghanistan,

WTO and International Trade” programme to year four students of the

commerce department.

- Kabul University has the human resources and technical materials to

deliver programme (a first of its kind in Afghanistan).

- Kabul University has faculty members skilled in WTO/Trade policy

issues to be used as a resource to government.

- Students completing the programme will be a resource to government.

Stakeholder


Over 130 year four students from the Faculty of Commerce, Kabul

University, of which 40% are female.

Supporting documents Participant list; Course programme.



achievement




assessment

Title Advisory services

105

Date/Location Ongoing / distance

Implementing partners CWS; MoIC; ITC

Background/context In the context of, Afghanistan, WTO and International Trade Programme, for

the second year CWS interacted through emails for addressing any queries

that they had regarding the technical content of the trainings, as well as

addressing job-related questions. As part of this, CWS set up a Trade Policy

Hotline – whereby participants can obtain technical advice on trade policy

matters that they are facing in their work and or through the trainings. A

dedicated e-mail ID ([email protected]) was set up for participants to

respond in 2017

Results Mechanism for attending to request from participants established through

Trade Policy Hotline. An illustrative list of queries responded to by the CWS

faculty is provided below:

a. Query relating to LDCs and WTO reforms.

b. Query relating to Initial Negotiating Rights and Accession to the

WTO.

c. Query relating to air transit of goods and the WTO compatibility of a

Member’s action.

d. Query relating to Generalized System of Preferences.

e. Query relating to Mutually Recognition Agreements at the WTO.

f. Query relating to the relationship between domestic laws and WTO

rules.

g. Query relating to Business Visa and GATS.

h. Query relating to the relationship between trade and transit

agreements and WTO Agreement.

i. Query relating to a particular category of HS Code.

j. Query relating to Pest Risk Analysis.

Technical support provided on range on trade policy matters.

CWS will commit to maintaining service until mid-2020 (at no additional cost)

OUTPUT 5: Institutional mechanisms to facilitate the implementation of the TFA are established at national level and linked with regional partners

During Year 1, the following was achieved:

- AAT – in close collaboration with USAID ATAR project - conducted an extensive research into

the implementation status of the TFA in Afghanistan, assessing the extent to which each TFA

measure has been implemented in the country (both in law and in practice) and the remaining

gaps / needs to achieve compliance.

- AAT built the capacity of IMCWTF Members through several capacity building / public-private

events on the WTO TFA.

106

- Building upon this research and upon capacity building events towards IMCWTF Members,

AAT assisted the IMCWTF in issuing recommendations towards the categorization of the TFA

obligations taking into consideration the needs and expectation of the private sector.

- AAT sponsored the participation of 3 Afghan representatives to the first International NTFC

Forum in January 2017. During this event, Afghan delegates could interact with their

counterparts from other countries on topics such as regional approaches to TF reforms,

categorization and ratification processes, NTFC best practices, how to draft national trade

facilitation roadmap, etc. Afghanistan participation to this event was instrumental in expediting

the processes of categorization, notification and roadmap development in the country.

- AAT also sponsored the participation of MoIC representatives to the Asia Pacific Trade

Facilitation Forum in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The Asia-Pacific Trade Facilitation is the leading

regional platform for the exchange of information, experiences and practice on trade facilitation

- AAT also provided advisory services to improve the operation of the IMCWTF. During the

IMCWTF workshops, several sessions were dedicated to best practices on the

operationalization of the National Trade Facilitation Committees.

During Year 2, the following was achieved:

- AAT provided ongoing advisory services to the Government of Afghanistan to facilitate the

endorsement of the categorization recommendations by the High-Economic Council. The HEC

approved the categorization recommendation and the Government of Afghanistan officially

notified their commitments to the WTO on the 19 February 2018.

- Taking into consideration the categorization recommendations mentioned above and building

upon extended interviews with public and private stakeholders involved in international trade in

Afghanistan, AAT has developed a Trade Facilitation Strategy that has been incorporated as a

dedicated in the National Export Strategy.

- Consistently with the requirement of the TFA (i.e. Article 16), AAT supported the Government

of Afghanistan in defining the implementation timelines for their remaining obligations under the

TFA. To this end, AAT held a prioritization and sequencing workshop in Kabul with the IMCWTF

Membership between the 12 and the 14 of May 2018. With AAT support, the IMCWTF ranked

TFA measures in order of priority (based and on cost-benefit analysis) and then sequenced the

reforms over a 10-year period. The concrete output of this workshop was a ten-year national

trade facilitation roadmap with implementation timelines for each TFA reforms required under

the WTO Agreement.

During the current, the project build upon its achievements in years 1 and 2 to further support

Afghanistan compliance with the WTO TFA.

First, the project supported the Government of Afghanistan to review the WTO TFA Implementation

roadmap developed by AAT in collaboration with the IMCWTF.

The Action also assisted the government in further operationalizing the IMCWTF as a tool for

coordinating and monitoring trade facilitation reforms across all Ministries and border regulatory

agencies.

Finally, the project further built the capacity of the private sector in Afghanistan to benefit from a

reformed border environment and to effectively advocate for the effective implementation of trade

facilitation measures to reduce the time and cost of trade in the country.

107


Activity 5.1 - Support the implementation of the WTO TFA

Advisory services to

adjust IMCWTF

TFA

implementation

roadmap to the

need of Afghan

businesses

July, 2018

ITC headquarters in

Geneva and Kabul

Private sector

recommendations for

consideration of

IMCWTF developed

and shared with

Government of

Afghanistan

Number of recommendations

towards the implementation of

the TFA issued and/or endorsed

by the Government of

Afghanistan: 1

Advisory services

towards alignment

of IMCWTF TFA

implementation

roadmap with

customs Strategic

Plan with TFA

From July to August

2018.

ITC headquarters in

Geneva and Kabul

Recommendations

towards alignment of

IMCWTF and ACD

plan approved by

MoIC and ACD.





Afghanistan: 1


draft the official

instrument of

notification of

Afghanistan

implementation

timelines for its

category B and C

From April to May

2019. Geneva, in

close coordination

with stakeholders in

Afghanistan

A draft instrument of

notification of

Afghanistan

implementation

timeline has been

drafted (building

upon IMCWTF TFA

implementation

roadmap) and shared

with the Government

of Afghanistan





Afghanistan: 1


define IMCWTF

and MOIC role in

the governeance of

the Trade

Facilitaiton Portal

From April to May

2019. Geneva, in

close coordination

with stakeholders in

Afghanistan

Recommendations

towards MOIC and

IMCWTF role in the

governance of the

trade facilitation

portal developed and

shared with

beneficiaries





Afghanistan: 1

Activity 5.2 - Support the capacity building and operationalization of IMCWTF

Advisory services

towards the further

operationalization

of the IMCWTF

April – May 2019.

Geneva, in close

consultation with

local stakeholders.

Recommendations

towards MoIC

leading role in the

operations of the

IMCWTF developed

and shared with the

Government of

Afghanistan





Afghanistan: 1

Activity 5.3 – Increase awareness of private stakeholders on the TFA

TFA private sector

trainings delivered

From April to May

2019 in Kabul,

Over 120 business

representatives

- Number of public and private

sector representatives stating

108

Activity 5.1: Support the implementation of the WTO TFA through technical advisory services to

IMCWTF and other government agencies & Activity 5.2: Support the capacity building and

operationalization of IMCWTF and other public sector agencies to implement the WTF TFA

Title Advisory services to adjust IMCWTF TFA implementation roadmap to the

need of Afghan businesses

Date/Location July, 2018, Kabul

Implementing

partners

ITC and ACCI

Background/ context In May 2018, ITC and the IMCWTF developed – during a 3-day workshop

in Kabul - a 10 years TFA implementation roadmap taking into account the

expected impacts and complexity of all obligations under the WTO TFA. In

close collaboration with ACCI and MoIC, ITC proposed to organize a follow-

up workshop with private sector representatives to review the IMCWTF

recommendations and ensure that the TFA implementation roadmap was

consistent with the needs and priorities of Afghan businesses

Results Recommendations for a revised TFA Implementation roadmap was

developed during a 3-day workshop with business representatives. These

recommendations were shared with the Government of Afghanistan for its

consideration.

Stakeholder/

participant

information

45 (including 2 women) traders and business representatives participated

to this event

Participant evaluation Not available

in collaboration with

ACCI (x3)

Kandahar and

Herat

trained on the WTO

TFA and equipped

with necessary skills

to benefit from the

reformed cross-

border environment

and to effectively

advocate for

additional trade

facilitation reforms

increased awareness on the

WTO TFA and trade facilitation

reforms: 100

Activity 5.4 - Support and facilitate regional network of NTFC to encourage experience sharing

Regional trade

facilitation

workshop

Dushanbe, 19 – 23

November, 2018

6 Afghan

representatives were

trained on the

establishment and

operationalization of

a trade facilitation

portal (i.e.

requirements of

article 1.2 of the TFA)

and learnt from

Tajikistan experience

in this area.

Number of regional events in the

area of trade facilitation: 1

Number of participants from

public and private institutions to

regional events in the area of

trade facilitation (project end): 6

Number of female participants

from public and private

institutions to regional events in

the area of trade facilitation: 1

109

Supporting

documents

Private sector Sequencing Proposal


programmes

indicator’s

achievement

Number of recommendations towards the implementation of the TFA

issued and/or endorsed by the Government of Afghanistan: 1

Title Advisory services towards alignment of IMCWTF TFA implementation

roadmap with customs Strategic Plan with TFA

Date/Location July to August 2018; ITC headquarters in Geneva and Kabul

Implementing

partners

ITC, MoIC and ACD

Background/ context During the IMCWTF workshop to develop a TFA implementation roadmap,

it emerged that the Afghan Customs authorities had developed a TFA

implementation plan as part of their Five-Year Strategic Plan for Customs

Modernization. ITC, in collaboration with ACD and with the Ministry of

Industry and Commerce, provided advisory services to the Government of

Afghanistan to ensure that the two plans are consistent with one another.

Results Recommendations towards alignment of the IMCWTF and ACD TFA

implementation plan were developed, shared with Government of

Afghanistan and reviewed with MoIC and ACD.

Stakeholder/

participant

information

Key stakeholders involved in the process include senior representatives

from ACD and MoIC

Supporting

documents

Alignment of IMCWTF plan and Customs Strategic Plan_Technical Note


programmes

indicator’s

achievement



Title

Advisory services to draft Afghanistan official instrument of

notification to the WTO with regards to the country TFA

implementation timelines

Date/Location April to May 2019, Geneva in close collaboration with local stakeholders

Implementing

partners

ITC

Background/ context Under the WTO TFA, developing countries are required to notify to the WTO

the implementation timelines for their obligations under category B and C.

Results A draft instrument of notification was developed on the basis of IMCWTF

TFA implementation roadmap and shared with the Government of

Afghanistan for its consideration. The draft instrument is consistent with

WTO notification requirements.

Stakeholder/

participant

information

Representatives of MoIC

110

Supporting

documents

ITC- Afghanistan – Timeline Notification Template


programmes

indicator’s

achievement



Title Advisory services to strengthen MoIC role in operationalizing the

IMCWTF



Background/ context Under the WTO TFA, developing countries are required to establish and

sustain a national trade facilitation committee (NTFC) tasked with the

coordination of trade facilitation reforms. Upon request of the Minister of

Commerce and Industry, ITC developed a technical note to emphasis the

role of MoIC in leading Trade Facilitation reforms within the IMCWTF (i.e.

this committee acts as the NTFC in Afghanistan).

Results A technical note on MoIC role in leading trade facilitation reforms within the

IMCWTF has been developed and shared with the Government of

Afghanistan.

Supporting documents MoIC role in IMCWTF -Concept Note – final


programmes

indicator’s

achievement



Title Advisory services on trade facilitation portal governance structure


Implementing

partners

ITC

Background/ context Under the WTO TFA, developing countries are required to establish and

sustain a national trade facilitation portal to provide easily accessible

information on trade related laws, regulations and formalities to the business

community. To ensure the sustainability of the trade facilitation portal, a

dedicated governance structure must be established and operationalized.

Results A technical note on MoIC and IMCWTF role in governing the trade facilitation

portal has been developed and shared with the Government of Afghanistan.

Supporting

documents

Afghanistan- Note for discussion- Trade Facilitation Portal in Afghanistan-

governance structure and sustainable operation


programmes

indicator’s

achievement



Activity 5.3: Increase awareness of private stakeholders on the TFA and their ability to contribute

to TFA related PPD within the IMCWTF

111

Title Organization of 3 Private sector trainings on the TFA

Date/Location From April to May 2019 in Kabul, Herat and Kandahar

Implementing

partners

ITC, ACCI

Background/ context For businesses, especially for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs),

operationalizing the Agreement on Trade Facilitation is a path to

internationalization, which will allow them to access international value

chains at lower cost and at greater speeds. And SMEs can most benefit from

the Agreement by having a sound understanding of how the new procedures

and requirements will complement their business priorities.

The objective of these workshops is to assist businesses to understand the

terms, potential benefits and practical use of each of the technical measures

of the new Agreement and to equip them to successfully contribute to the

design, implementation and monitoring of the Trade Facilitation potential

implementation choices

The workshops were organized by ACCI within the framework of a recent

MoU signed between the two organizations and the trainings were delivered

by ITC trained trainers.

Results Over 120 business representative were trained in Kabul and provinces

Stakeholder/

participant

information

Participants’ lists and other relevant documents are available.

Supporting

documents

TFA Training Package.

Training reports


programmes

indicator’s

achievement

Number of public and private sector representatives stating increased

awareness on the WTO TFA and trade facilitation reforms: 121

Activity 5.4 - Support and facilitate regional network of NTFC to encourage experience sharing

Title Regional Trade Facilitation Portal Workshop

Date/Location From 19 to 23 November 2018, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Implementing

partners ITC

Background/ context

ITC organized a workshop in Dushanbe for 6 Afghan representatives to

learn from Tajikistan experience in establishing and operationalizing a trade

facilitation portal.

Results

6 Afghan representatives learnt from Tajikistan best-practices and were

trained to implement a Trade Facilitation Portal in Afghanistan using the

same model as the Tajikistan one. This initiative contributes to the

harmonization of TFA implementation modalities across the region.

Supporting

Document TFP Training package


programmes

indicator’s

achievement

Number of regional events in the area of trade facilitation: 1

Number of participants from public and private institutions to regional

events in the area of trade facilitation (project end): 6

112

Number of female participants from public and private institutions to

regional events in the area of trade facilitation: 1

OUTPUT 6: SME knowledge of how to manage national cross-border procedures and compliance with regional and/or global market requirements is built encompassing priority markets (building on NES findings) During the previous reporting periods, the following was achieved:

- AAT developed and published five National Trade Procedure Guides covering the following product

groups: Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Saffron, Dried Fruits and Nuts, Carpets and Handicrafts. The

product groups were selected based on the priority sectors identified in the Afghanistan National

Export Strategy. Each of the Guides cover the following topics: sectorial analysis, step-by-step

export processes (by air and ground transport), destination specific requirements, export support

facilities and samples of the forms and documents required to complete an international trade

operation.

- The Guides were developed in close collaboration with public and private stakeholders and notably

representatives from the relevant business associations and border regulatory agencies. However,

due to ongoing reforms of Afghanistan export procedures, AAT could not obtain a formal validation

of the Guides from local stakeholders since end of 2017.

- The five National Trade Procedure Guides have been edited, formatted, translated into Pashto and

published as drafts. As of today, the Guides haven’t been printed and disseminated as they lack

the official validation from local stakeholders (this issue had been raised during the 2nd Project

Steering Committee meeting).

During the current reporting period, the project launched two new sets of interventions i.e. the

establishment and operationalization of an Afghanistan Trade Facilitation Portal and the delivery of an

Export Management Coaching Programme for SMEs. The activities in relation with these two new

interventions are listed below:


Activity 6.2 – Establish and operationalize a trade facilitation portal in Afghanistan

Establishment of an

Afghanistan Trade

Facilitation Portal

November /

December 2018,

Geneva and Kabul

Afghanistan National

Trade Facilitation

Portal is available

online

Number of trade facilitation

portal compliant with Article 1.2

of the TFA implemented: 1

Mapping /

documentation of

10 export

procedures

(ongoing)

From January to

June 2019, Kabul

10 export procedures

are documented in

the Trade Facilitation

Portal (ongoing)

National Trade Facilitation

procedure guide published

through Afghanistan National TF

portal: 10

113

Activity 6.2 – Establish and operationalize a trade facilitation portal in Afghanistan

Title Establishment of Afghanistan Trade Facilitation Portal

Date/Location November / December 2018, Geneva and Kabul

Implementing

partners ITC and UNCTAD

Background/ context

The establishment of a Trade Facilitation Portal (Article 1.2 of the TFA) was

identified as a priority reform by IMCWTF while developing Afghanistan TFA

Implementation Roadmap. By improving the transparency of cross-border

formalities in Afghanistan, this tool will contribute to strengthen business

capacity to comply with international trade requirements and improve their

competitiveness. Afghanistan Trade Facilitation Portal was developed using

ITC/UNCTAD standard software and methodology.

Results Afghanistan National Trade Facilitation Portal is available online

Supporting

Document http://afghanistan.tradeportal.org


programmes

indicator’s

achievement

Number of trade facilitation portal compliant with Article 1.2 of the TFA

implemented: 1

Title Regional Trade Facilitation Portal Workshop

Date/Location From 19 to 23 November 2018, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Activity 6.3 – Design and implement and Export Management Coaching Programme for SMEs

in Afghanistan

Development of the

SME Coaching

Manual

From July to

December 2018,

Kabul

SME Coaching was

developed and

published in English,

Dari and Pashto

National Trade Facilitation

procedure guide published

through Afghanistan National TF

portal:1

Regional Training

event for

Afghanistan Export

Management

Coaches

15 – 19 December

2018, Colombo, Sri

Lanka

9 Afghanistan Export

Management

Coaches are trained

to deliver on-the-job

advisory services to

SME to improve their

compliance with

export requirements

Trainers are trained: 9

Number of participants from

public and private institutions to

regional events in the area of

trade facilitation (project end): 9

Number of female participants

from public and private

institutions to regional events in

the area of trade facilitation: 2

Delivery of on-the-

job coaching

services to 13

SMEs

January to June

2019, Kabul

Six coaching

missions were

successfully

completed and 6

additional coaching

missions are

ongoing.

Number of SMEs who benefited

from on-the-job coaching

services to improve their export

management practices: 7


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Implementing

partners ITC

Background/ context

ITC organized a workshop in Dushanbe for 6 Afghan representatives to

learn from Tajikistan experience in establishing and operationalizing a trade

facilitation portal.

Results

6 Afghan representatives learnt from Tajikistan best-practices and were

trained to implement a Trade Facilitation Portal in Afghanistan using the

same model as the Tajikistan one. This initiative contributes to the

harmonization of TFA implementation modalities across the region.

Supporting

Document TFP Training package


programmes

indicator’s

achievement

Number of trade facilitation portal compliant with Article 1.2 of the TFA

implemented: 1

Title Mapping / documentation of 10 export procedures (ongoing)

Date/Location From January to June 2019, Kabul

Implementing

partners ITC

Background/ context

Building upon the priority sector identified in the NES, ITC started to map

10 export procedures in the Afghanistan Trade Facilitation Portal. The

mapping of procedures entails identify – from the users perspective – all

the steps required to complete an export operation. Then for each step, the

projects collects the following information: contact details of the

agency/department/person in charge of the formality, forms and documents

required to complete the formality, the documents/results obtained once the

formality is completed, the fees and charges collected by border regulatory

agencies, the delays involved in going through the formality, the legal basis

for the formality, the contact details of the person in charge of the appeal

procedure.

Results 10 export procedures are documented in the Trade Facilitation Portal

(ongoing)

Supporting

Document http://afghanistan.tradeportal.org


programmes

indicator’s

achievement

National Trade Facilitation procedure guide published through Afghanistan

National TF Portal: 10

Activity 6.3 – Design and implement and Export Management Coaching Programme for SMEs

in Afghanistan

Title Development of the SME Coaching Manual

Date/Location From July to December 2018, Kabul

Implementing

partners ITC

Background/ context

In order to facilitate the delivery of on-the-job coaching missions to SMEs,

ITC developed a SME coaching manual that acts as a toolkit / methodological

guidelines for Export Management Coaches. The SME Coaching Manual

was tailored to address the specific challenges faced by SMEs in Afghanistan

and covers 40 topics in the area of: Packaging & Labelling, Mandatory


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Certifications/Registrations & Buyer Standards, Customs & Duties,

International Shipping by Sea & Air Freight, Export Planning & Pro Forma

Invoice. The SME Coaching Manual was translated in Dari and Pashto.

Results SME Coaching was developed and published in English, Dari and Pashto

Supporting

Document

SME Coaching Manual English Version

SME Coaching Manual Dari Version

SME Coaching Manual


programmes

indicator’s

achievement

National Trade Facilitation procedure guide published through Afghanistan

National TF Portal: 1

Title Regional Training event for Afghanistan Export Management Coaches

Date/Location 15 – 19 December 2018, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Implementing

partners ITC

Background/ context

The objective of this workshop was to build the capacity of 9 Afghan Export

Management Coaches on ITC on-the-job coaching methodology as well as

on the use of SME Coaching Manual. The workshop was held in Sri Lanka

to allow Afghan representatives to learn from the experiences of Sri Lankan

Export Management Coaches and to join them in their coaching missions

with Sri Lankan SMEs. As a matter of fact, under another EU funded project,

ITC launched a similar initiative in Sri Lanka in late 2017. By bringing Afghan

representatives to Colombo, the project could build synergies among EU

funded initiatives in the SAARC region and expose Afghan coach to practical

example of SME coaching practices.

Results

9 Afghanistan Export Management Coaches are trained to deliver on-the-

job advisory services to SME to improve their compliance with export

requirements

Supporting

Document Participants evaluations


programmes

indicator’s

achievement

Trainers are trained: 9

Number of participants from public and private institutions to regional

events in the area of trade facilitation (project end): 9

Number of female participants from public and private institutions to

regional events in the area of trade facilitation: 1

Title Delivery of on-the-job coaching services to 13 SMEs

Date/Location January to June 2019, Kabul

Implementing

partners ITC

Background/ context

Each coaching mission consists of 5 days of on-the-job advisory services

(over a 5 to 10 weeks period) provided to one SMEs by one Afghan Export

Management Coach

Results Seven coaching missions were successfully completed and 6 additional

coaching missions are ongoing.

Supporting

Document Coaching mission reports

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programmes

indicator’s

achievement

Number of SMEs who benefited from on-the-job coaching services to

improve their export management practices: 7

OUTPUT 7: Public-private consultation process on domestic/regional key pressing trade policy/regulatory/negotiation issues is strengthened

Afghanistan National Trade Policy: 2019 - 2023

At the outset of the project, and upon the specific request of MoIC, ITC was requested to provide technical

support for the development of a national trade policy five year plan. Therefore, ITC, in consultation with MoIC,

developed a work plan to produce the policy document. Following extensive fact-finding and a review of policy

related documents as well as previously drafted national trade policy documents, a first draft version of the

“Afghanistan National Trade Policy: 2019 - 2023” was drafted. The draft utilised an ITC developed methodology

which assesses trade policy instruments that impact each stage of the supply chain.

A review process of the ANTP was then initiated by MoIC, which included a national stakeholder consultation

meeting to present the findings and obtain feedback for incorporation. Further rounds of reviews were made

and ITC provided technical inputs/drafting. It became further important to ensure coherence between the ANTP

and the National Priority Programme on Private Sector Development (NPP/PSD).

Bilateral stakeholder consultation to enhance trade relations between Afghanistan and neighbouring countries

During the first year of project implementation it was confirmed the project would support regular bilateral

stakeholder consultation between Afghanistan and Iran (or alternatively Uzbekistan) aimed at enhancing

trading relations. AAT recommended and subsequently gained the initial approval for the

methodology/timeframes for undertaking bilateral consultations, intended to occur over the next two-year

period. Much ground work, needs analysis, consultation with stakeholders and their endorsement was

undertaken to confirm this key direction.

However progress was stalled during the first half of the second year of the AAT project, owing to change of

Government of Afghanistan priority to favour Iran to engage with for this initiative. Eventually, the Government

of Afghanistan confirmed that it would prefer to pursue this initiative with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

Subsequently, ITC together with Government of Afghanistan set about sensitizing and gaining the support of

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan counterparts to this initiative, which was eventually confirmed only in May, 2018.

In short, the following activities were undertaken under the first and second year of the project.

First year:

Needs assessment for the operationalisation of a PPD platform on trade policy (study)

Draft policy document: ANTP (2019 -2023)

Supporting bilateral stakeholder consultations to enhance trading relations between Afghanistan and

Iran/Uzbekistan

Second year:

- Policy document: ANTP

- Policy recommendations study: Trade between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan: Issues and Options for Enhancement

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- Policy recommendations study: Trade between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan: Issues and Options for Enhancement

- ACCI position paper: Trade between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan: Issues and Options for Enhancement

- ACCI position paper: Trade between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan: Issues and Options for Enhancement

- ANTP National Stakeholder Consultation

- Afghanistan – Uzbekistan: Stakeholder consultation to enhance trading relations & Pre-event mission to Tashkent

The following details progress under the third year.

Activity Date/location Main Achievements Contributing to

indicator

Under Act. 7.2: Research materials/position papers through peer review (whenever local capacity

exists) are produced

Potential economic impact of

Frontier Trade Zones between

Uzbekistan and Afghanistan – a

Rapid Assessment

October & November,

2018, Remotely

Analysis uncovered

strengths,

weaknesses,

opportunities and

threats potentially

arising from joint

frontier zones.

Proposed

recommendations on

how MoIC could take

the initiative forward

Number of policy

research materials

produced: 1

Economic Impact of a Potential

Free Trade Agreement between

Uzbekistan and Afghanistan – a

Rapid Assessment

Remotely / October &

November, 2018

Key findings of the

economic

benefits/costs of the

FTA found.

Key recommendations

made to Government

of Afghanistan for

further bilateral

negotiations on the

contents of the FTA

Number of policy

research materials

produced: 1

Development of a concept note

for Afghanistan’s MRA strategy

March & April, 2019,

Remotely

Concept note

Concept note shared

with MoIC

Number of policy

research materials

produced: 1

Coherence between the ANTP

and the NPP PSD

Kabul and ITC

headquarters, August

until November, 2018

Clear understanding of

the alignment and

complementarity

Number of policy

research materials

produced: 1

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between ANTP and

NPP PSD.

Under Act. 7.3: Public-private policy consultations (included at bilateral/ and regional level) are organized

ANTP National Stakeholder

Consultation

25 November, 2018,

Kabul

Platform provided for public and private sector stakeholders to deliberate on good policy for export development. Agreement on key policy objectives to increase national exports.

SUB-IND 7.1: Number of public-private dialogues/trainings held: 1 Number of recommendations stemming from PPD: 20

Afghan government and Balkh

private sector consultation on

deepening of trade relations with

Uzbekistan

26 January, 2019 ,

Mazar

Raised awareness of Balkh private sector on the developments in trade and transit relations with Uzbekistan Gathered pertinent

private sector issues

to be discussed at

future bilateral

Afghan–Uzbek trade

talks.

Number of public-private dialogues/trainings held: 1

First Public Private Dialogue on

Enhancing Trading Relations

Between Afghanistan and

Kazakhstan

Pre-event organized by MoIC in

Almaty to meet with the Afghan

business community based in

this city and feed the Minister of

Industry and Commerce with

their views

03 August 2018,

Astana,

01 August 2018, Almaty

Stakeholder consultation platform for engaging between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan to enhance trading relations established. A joint agreement reflecting the main points of consensus.

Number of public-private dialogues/trainings held: 2 Number of recommendations stemming from PPD: 19

Under Act. 7.4. Training of private sector organizations on issues to be further addressed through public privates consultations are organized

International Trade Centre:

Benefitting the Private Sector

26 November, 2018

Geneva

Participants built their knowledge on ITC’s approach for export development and key aspects of AAT project

Number of public-private dialogues/trainings held: 1

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Activity 7.2: Research materials/position papers through peer review (whenever local capacity exists) are produced

Title Potential economic impact of Frontier Trade Zones between Uzbekistan

and Afghanistan – a Rapid Assessment

Location/date

Remotely / October & November, 2018

Implementing partners MoIC

Background/

context

The AAT project is supporting bilateral stakeholder consultations to enhance trading relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. A main aim of these consultations is to address a number of barriers relating to policy, regulatory and procedural issues, which present an obstacle to advancing bilateral trading relations, and in particular exports from Afghanistan to Uzbekistan.

At the first Public Private Dialogue on Enhancing Trading Relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, held on 20 June, 2018, it was discussed to establish a free trade zone (FTZ) in the border areas between the two countries (Specifically at the site of the Termez Cargo Centre). Following the meeting, Afghanistan’s MoIC requested the AAT project to undertake analysis of the potential economic impact on Afghanistan’s government revenue as well as on the regional economic impact of the zones.

AAT provided a brief assessment of the zones’ impact in general terms, also drawing on the experience in other free zones around the world.

Results Analysis uncovered strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats potentially arising from joint frontier zones. Proposed recommendations on how MoIC could take the initiative forward. (Next steps and further research requirements)


Research study: “Potential economic impact of Frontier Trade Zones

between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan – a Rapid Assessment”

Contributing to indicator Number of policy research materials produced: 1

Title Economic Impact of a Potential Free Trade Agreement between

Uzbekistan and Afghanistan – a Rapid Assessment

Location/date Remotely / October & November, 2018


120

Background/

context

The AAT project is supporting bilateral stakeholder consultations to enhance trading relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. A main aim of these consultations is to address a number of barriers relating to policy, regulatory and procedural issues, which present an obstacle to advancing bilateral trading relations, and in particular exports from Afghanistan to Uzbekistan.

At the first Public Private Dialogue on Enhancing Trading Relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, held on 20 June, 2018, the matter of establishing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries was discussed. Specifically Uzbekistan had presented a draft Free Trade Agreement (FTA) text to Afghanistan which would cover the abolition of all duties on bilateral trade in goods; however further progress had not been made.

Following the meeting, and in order to define its position and formulate a response, the Government of Afghanistan requested the AAT project to provide a brief assessment of the economic impact of entering into such a bilateral FTA, which would be the first of its kind for Afghanistan.

Accordingly, AAT provided a brief assessment of the FTA’s economic impact and highlights the most salient anticipated effects of the FTA on Afghanistan.

Results Key findings of the economic benefits of the FTA found. These included in the main areas of: 1) anticipated Afghan revenue impact; 2) potential threat for domestic producers from Uzbek import competition 3) Afghan export opportunities.

Key recommendations made to Government of Afghanistan for further bilateral negotiations on the contents of the FTA


Research study “The Economic Impact of a Potential Free Trade Agreement

between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan – a Rapid Assessment”


Title Development of Afghanistan’s MRA strategy

Date/Location February – March, 2019 / Remotely

Implementing partners MoIC, ITC

Background/ context ITC received request from MoIC to provide technical support to develop a concept note Afghanistan’s MRA strategy. As the request, came within the scope of the outputs intervention and to be responsive to MoIC needs, the request was further acted upon.

Results Analysis leading to key identified recommendations for negotiating MRAs, including identified next steps

Supporting documents Development of Afghanistan’s MRA strategy (Concept note)


Number of recommendations stemming from PPD: 6

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Title Coherence between the ANTP and the NPP PSD

Location/date

Kabul and ITC headquarters, August until November, 2018


Background/

context

Upon the request of the MoIC, research was undertaken to make clear the areas of potential overlap between the Afghanistan National Trade Policy (ANTP) and the Government of Afghanistan’s National Priority Programme on Private Sector Development (NPP PSD; as part of the Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework 2017 to 2021). Ideally the two documents should be closely aligned and complement each other, hence this analysis was considered needed.

Results

Clear understanding of the alignment and complementarity between ANTP and NPP PSD.


AAT produced document “Coherence between the ANTP and the NPP PSD”

Contributing to indicator SUB-IND 7.2: Number of policy research materials produced: 1

Activity 7.3: Public-private policy consultations (included at bilateral/ and regional level) are organized

Title

ANTP Private Sector Consultation

Location/date

Kabul / November 2018


Organized by MoIC and ACCI, with the technical support of ITC

Background/ context Upon the request of MoIC it was considered necessary to further consult with the private sector to garner their views on a final draft version on the ANTP. It was held to ensure that stakeholders beyond the public sector are involved in the formulation of the policy.

ANTP is deemed as a first policy document that holistically addresses issues related to trade. It projects a great deal of reforms which are aimed at capacitating domestic institutions, creating business enabling environment, implementing regulations resulting from WTO commitments and undertaking further trade-enabling reforms. Prior to the meeting the ANTP policy document has undertaken several rounds of drafting and internal reviews by MoIC and ITC, as well as received further inputs from private sector associations, local and international experts.

122

Results Stakeholders at different levels from different public and private sector institutions brought together to discuss upon key priorities, which would accelerate export development.

Agreement found on key priorities - These ranged from extending market access of Afghan goods and services to regional and international markets, rationalizing tariff policy, enhancing the export competitiveness of Afghan products to promoting the domestic production.

MoIC provided a platform to gather stakeholder input.

Private sector provided a platform for their advocacy efforts with government.

Stakeholder/ participant information

Over 60 mainly private sector participants (Including Afghan industry leaders, small business owners, and representatives of the public sector)

Supporting documents Draft ANTP policy document, meeting report; press release

Contributing to indicator Number of public-private dialogues/trainings held: 1

Number of recommendations stemming from PPD: 20

Title Afghan Government officials meet Balkh private sector to consult on deepening of trade relations with Uzbekistan

Date/Location

26 January, 2019


ITC; MoIC; Balk Chamber of Commerce and Industries

Background/ context Upon the request of the Afghanistan Government, the AAT project has, since 2017, supported promoting Afghanistan’s regional trade with the selected neighbouring countries of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The initiative regularly brings together key government and business stakeholders drawn from both countries to deliberate on how to tackle specific obstacles to trading, exploit opportunities and create business linkages. Overall, the initiative supports Afghan aspirations for fostering regional trade integration and connectivity.

The first consultation with Uzbekistan took place in Tashkent on 20 June 2018. This was followed up by a consultation meeting in Kabul between an Afghan and Uzbek delegation, which took place from 8 to 9 July 2018 in Kabul and resulted in signature of an agreed minutes. Since then, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce has been following up on the implementation of the commitments made under the above-mentioned agreed minutes and simultaneously preparing for the second round of consultations with Uzbekistan in Kabul.

Some progress has been made in trade and transit relations with Uzbekistan since the first consultation. Afghanistan has received the list of MFN tariffs from Uzbekistan. They have also communicated their transit routes approved for Afghan transit. Meanwhile, to utilize the opportunities emanating from the trade agreement with Uzbekistan, the commercial attaché in Uzbekistan has

123

conducted an initial market survey that determines the potential for Afghan products in the Uzbek market.

Considering the above, there was a need to closely collaborate with traders and private sector representatives in the province, which is considered most relevant for trade and transit with Uzbekistan.

Results Raised awareness of Balkh private sector on the developments in trade and transit relations with Uzbekistan. This included the enforcement of a trade agreement and transit agreement, a new most favoured nation (MFN) tariff list, transit charges through Uzbekistan (railway mode), transit routes approved by Uzbekistan for Afghan transit, and potential in the Uzbek market for Afghan products reflected in the survey conducted by our commercial attaché;

Informed the Balkh private sector of the intention for Uzbekistan to establish joint investment ventures in a particular in field of textile and agricultural machinery;

Gathered pertinent private sector issues to be discussed at future bilateral Afghan–Uzbek trade talks.

Stakeholder/

participant information

53 participants , 18 women

Supporting documents Meeting report

Contributing to indicator Number of public-private dialogues/trainings held: 1

Title First Public Private Dialogue on Enhancing Trading Relations Between

Afghanistan and Kazakhstan

Location/date 03, August, 2018 / Astana

Implementing partners MoIC, Minister for Investment and Development of Kazakhstan, ITC

Background/

context

Upon the request of the Afghanistan Government, the AAT project has since 2017 supported promoting Afghanistan’s regional trade with the selected neighbouring countries of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. For both high-level government, agreement on all sides was obtained on the initiatives purpose – that is, to bring together regularly key government and business stakeholders drawn from these countries to deliberate on how to tackle specific obstacles to trading, exploit opportunities, promote investment and create business linkages. The AAT project undertook significant measures to sensitize all key stakeholders to the initiative, garner their support as well as build working relationships and trust between the countries. So as to better inform the consultations, at the outset two evidenced based policy recommendations papers were carried out seeking to identify barriers and issues which affect trade between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan/Kazakhstan and issue recommendations to address these issues. Additionally the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) were supported to advocate their interests, chiefly through the development of

124

position papers. Consequently Afghan delegations comprising government and private sector representatives17 came to the two major stakeholder consultations supported so far under the initiative well informed (with Kazakhstan on 3 August and Uzbekistan on 20 June.)

With respect to Kazakhstan, while the main event (public private dialogue) took

place in Astana on 3 August 2018, Mr Rasaw, the Minister of Industry and

Commerce of Afghanistan requested that a consultation be organized on 1

August in Almaty so that he could interact with the important Afghan business

community based in this city. The consultation assisted him in informing his

negotiating position for the PPD.

A total of approximately 80 representatives participated in the two events.

Results Stakeholders at different levels from different public and private sector

institutions brought together to discuss upon key priorities, which would

accelerate export development.

Agreement found on key priorities - These ranged from extending market

access of Afghan goods and services to regional and international markets,

rationalizing tariff policy, improving customs clearance, simplifying business

visa issuance processes, initiating negotiation son tri lateral transit agreement

with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, increasing Kazakh investment in

Afghanistan, etc..

MoIC provided with a platform to negotiate better market access terms with

Kazakhstan.

Private sector provided with a platform for their advocacy efforts with

government.

Stakeholder/


Over 60 (Including Afghan industry leaders, small business owners, and representatives of the public sector)

Supporting documents Meeting report; Official minutes; press release

Contributing to

indicator

SUB-IND 7.1: Number of public-private dialogues/trainings held: 2 Number of recommendations stemming from PPD: 19

Title PPD issue advancement (Tracking tool)

Location Remotely (Kabul and Geneva)


Background/

context

The issue-tracking tool was developed to take stock of progress on advancement of specific issues arising from the PPDs between Uzbekistan/Afghanistan and Kazakhstan/Afghanistan. It is developed to provide valuable knowledge, keep engagement focussed, and monitor progress on issues.

17 Comprising amongst the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC), Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Agriculture Irrigation and

Livestock, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, Afghanistan Railway Authority, Da Afghanistan Bank and important private sector actors, including Afghanistan Chamber of Industries and Mines and Afghanistan Women Chamber of Commerce and Industries and traders.

125

The AAT team together with MoIC counterparts were responsible for updating the tool regularly.

Results Tool enabled strong record keeping of progress on advancement off issues

arising from PPD.

Supporting documents PPD tracking tool report

Activity 7.4: Training of private sector organizations on issues to be further addressed through public private consultations

Title International Trade Centre: Benefitting the Private Sector (Technical

training)

Date/Location 26 November 2018, Geneva, Switzerland

Implementing partners ITC;USAID; ACCI

Background/

context

This event was part of a larger USAID-funded week-long workshop focused on understanding the benefits of WTO membership for the Afghan private sector. The AAT project was invited by USAID to organise this programme for the benefit of mainly Afghan high-level business representatives. The representatives also attended the Geneva Conference on Afghanistan co-hosted by the Afghan government and the United Nations on 27 and 28 November 2018..

Results

Participants built their knowledge in the following key areas:

- AAT project and further engagement in Afghanistan. Several of the key

AAT milestones such as the National Export Strategy, National Trade

Policy, National Quality Policy and others were explained and the project

progress and future plans were detailed to the participants.

- ITC available tools for market and trade intelligence. Some of the key

tools, such as the trade map, market access map, investment map,

sustainability map, procurement map and export potential map, were

explained to the participants. Information was provided on utilizing these

tools and how they would help SMEs and the public sector to make

evidence-based decisions.

- The importance of ensuring the private sector’s voice in trade facilitation

reforms. Participants were provided information on how the

implementation of WTO’s TFA (TFA) would lower trade costs and address

the cross-border inefficiencies that hamper Afghanistan’s trade.

Participants welcomed ITC’s technical and interactive presentations, involvement

in Afghanistan, and spoke of the practical benefits that the ITC tools and technical

know-how would afford them, thus enabling them to trade with awareness and

make evidence-based decisions.

Stakeholder/


40 participants (mainly drawn from business and business associations). 5 women participants

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Supporting documents Agenda; participant list; news article

Contributing to

indicator

SUB-IND 7.1: Number of public-private dialogues/trainings held: 1

OVERARCHING FOCUS ON TRADE LEARNING AND CAPACITY BUILDING FOR REGIONAL CO-OPERATION THROUGHOUT ALL THE ABOVE COMPONENTS

A focus of this project is to promote trade learning throughout all the above components. The following provides a brief summary the ways in which these are be done (these inputs have also been detailed in the project document in more details).

Overall

- Continuation of project website, which also provides access to ITC Trade Academy.

Output 1 & 2 :

- Capacity building in strategy design and implementation: Staff from MoIC – EPAA and other

relevant implementing institutions (e.g. AWCCI) learn ITC’s Strategy Design and

Implementation Management (NES implementation training - Ongoing).

- Skills development strategy completed and integrated into the Main NES document.

Output 3

Sub-output 3.1:

- Government and business stakeholders trained in the area of standards, packaging,

metrology, technical regulations, and WTO TBT and SPS Agreements through in-country

and in India trainings.

Sub-output 3.3

- Financial management counsellors selected and trained

- Training/coaching material on financial literacy and SME coaching provided for Afghan

context

- SMEs provided knowhow on better accessing finance

Sub-output 3.4:

- SEEN provided trainings on key aspects of well-performing institutions.

Output 4

- Implementation of 7 month “Afghanistan, WTO and International Trade Programme”

benefitted 20 Afghan officers.

- Commencement of home-grown programme at Kabul University on “Afghanistan, WTO and

International Trade Programme” to over 140 year four students from the Faculty of

Economics. (Initiative supported by AAT mentoring initiative through CWS).

Output 5

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- Private sector raising awareness trainings on the WTO TFA (through trainers trained under

programme.

- Dissemination and utilisation of train-the-trainer module of ITC’s SME training module on

WTO TFA

Output 6

- Development of SME Coaching Manuel

- 9 trainers trained on export management practices, who in turn undertook 6 coaching

missions to training SMEs.

Output 7

- Awareness raising and building common understanding among policymakers and

businesses of trade and investment related issues between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.

DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED AND MEASURES TAKEN Overall

Uncertainties in the security situation.

Output 1 & 2 - The profusion of initiatives and related targets aimed at developing trade and its environment in

Afghanistan is currently curtailing the organizational abilities of MoIC, EPAA, ANSA and AWCCI, which should be therefore strengthened. This has, for instance, a direct impact on the aptitudes of MoIC-EPAA to deploy the necessary resources to manage the implementation of the NES. ITC is providing targeted capacity-building support to key institutions, e.g. EPAA, AWCCI.

- To perform EPAA’s role as the NES Secretariat, EPAA’s capacity needs to be built. Moreover, the organization should not divert its focus away from other areas of trade services support, given their stretched resources. ITC will continue to provide assistance, implementation management capacity-building and advisory support to MoIC-EPAA until the finalization of Phase I of AAT. ITC has pledged support to EPAA in developing its organizational documents, ensuring that their staff capacities are built and have the skills required for trade promotion.

- The formalization of the NES coordination mechanism, e.g. Senior coordination board and sector

committees, has proved to be challenging. ITC will continue providing support towards the conceptualization and establishment of such platform, however its formalization ultimately relies on the leadership and due diligence of relevant stakeholders.

Output 3.1 - Some challenges were faced with the appointment by the government of the high-level officials to attend

the training on food safety in India and being able to advice decision makers on the preferred model for establishing the Food Control System in Afghanistan. To support the delegation that was selected by the government to attend the training on food safety in India ITC hired an International Consultant who facilitated the development of a concept note on “Establishing the Food Control System in Afghanistan” to guide them in the presentation of the preferred model. A second International Consultant was hired to conduct an assessment in the country of the Food Safety System in Afghanistan, collect inputs to develop a road map for the strengthening of the food safety control system in the short term. ITC will continue providing support to build synergies in the area of food safety taking into consideration the sensitivity associated in the area.

Outputs 5 & 6

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- Some challenges were encountered with regards to the IMCWTF. Inconsistent representation from

the different governmental bodies compromised the integrity of the decision-making process. Private sector participation was disappointing. Moreover, there was some difficulty in promoting inter-ministerial collaboration on implementation planning.

- Due to continuous reforms introduced in export formalities, the project could not develop the export management curriculum envisaged in Output 6 without taking the risk of providing erroneous information of cross-order requirements to traders. Similarly, while five Export Procedure Guides have been developed, edited, formatted and translated under Output 6, they were not disseminated. Indeed, the information in the Guides was never officially validated by local stakeholders who were awaiting for procedural and regulatory changes in Afghanistan trade formalities. As a remedy action, the project designed and implemented two new sets of interventions consistent with Output 6 overarching objectives: establishment of a Trade Facilitation Portal and delivery of an Export Management Coaching Programme for SMEs. It is important to note that the establishment of the Trade Facilitation Portal in Afghanistan not only improves SMEs capacity to comply with cross-border requirements, it also contributes to Afghanistan compliance with its WTO Obligations under the TFA, contributes to the implementation of the NES and of PriSec action plan under Working Group #4.

Output 7

Difficulties were encountered in confirming dates for further public private dialogues to enhance trading relation between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan and Afghanistan and Kazakhstan respectively. Despite the AAT project teams pushing forward, and a very close coordination and trusty relation with the MoIC team working on PPDs, it required high-level government go ahead on all country sides before proceeding, which was beyond AAT control. Additionally, often dates/agenda were confirmed with MoIC only to be further cancelled/modify by the trading partner of Afghanistan.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE VISIBILITY AND COMMUNICATION PLAN

Information below is reported on the basis of the Project Communication and Visibility Plan.

It is to be noted that, under all Outputs, reports, training materials, presentations, event agendas, etc. have

been formatted in line with the project visual templates, as validated by the EU Delegation, for dissemination

to government officials, the private sector, the media, development partners and other stakeholders.

a. Project visibility during the period under reporting

AAT Website Project website is being updated on a regular basis to cover:

Latest news

Outputs activities

Newsletters

Workshop / Trainings / Conferences reports/ articles

Publications

Pictures

Links to further national and regional stakeholders

Films and interviews

AAT Facebook Group

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As of 30 June, 2019, there had been XX18 page visits and the average time spent by viewers on a page was

XX minutes.

Films produced The following were produced:

Afghanistan National Export Strategy film: “Peace through Prosperity, Prosperity through Trade” (including

Short version of 4 minutes and longer version of 8.30 minutes)

AAT two years on- Stakeholder testimony interviews:

- Kamila Siddiqi, Deputy Minister

- Mr. Atiqullah Nusrat, CEO ACCI

- Naqibullah Faiq, Director General ANSA (119 views)

- Mohammad Rabi Nabizada, Director of International Trade Agreements, MoIC

- Growing Afghan exports by developing food safety authority (7.45 minutes)

Food safety training participant interviews (2 – 3 minutes):

- Training programe for Afghan officials at FSSAI India:

- Better understanding roles in Afghan food safety (Interview with Sayed Reza Sadat, Plant

Pathologist, MAIL)

- Learning from the Indian experience in food safety (Interview with Ahmad Rashed Ahmadyar,

Food Safety General Manager, MoPH)

- Exploring key challenges in Afghan food safety (Interview with Ahmad Faridon, SPS Focal Point,

MAIL

Metrology training programme: participant interviews

- Market access opportunities through improved quality standards (Interview with Dur Mohammad

Sangin, Metrologist, ANSA)

- Learning from Indian experience in metrology (interview with Mohammad Yasemi, General

Manager, Metrology Lab, ANSA)

These films were widely distributed through Youtube; ITC – Facebook/Twitter; AAT project website; AAT

quarterly newsletter; AAT Facebook group; local social media, etc. For a full media report see Annex I.

Advancing Afghan Trade - quarterly newsletter During the reporting period, an additional 3 issues were circulated (September, 2018; December 2018; March

2019), with its main purpose being to introduce the project, its main outputs and some of the activities

completed to date.

In total there are 4300 recipients of the newsletter (Including membership of ACCI, AWCCI, AAT contact list

and further sharing with MOIC, MAIL, ANSA and EPAA).

Press Coverage The project continued to gain major media attention both within Afghanistan, the region and abroad.

A total of 104 separate media articles were published during the period. Complete versions of the ITC press

releases produced and further media coverage received can be seen in Annex I.

Social media coverage ITC specific (Twitter and ITC Facebook page)

18 Figures still being obtained. To be included week of 15 July

130

ITC ran a social media campaign to publicise the major event of the Geneva Conference on Afghanistan in November, 2018. The tweets were featured on both the ITC corporate Twitter and Facebook pages, and were retweeted on many occasions during the campaigns. Facebook group Developed and operating since May 12, 2017. Currently, there are 342, with many of them being stakeholders

drawn from business associations, government and exporters. Many of them have been involved in our project

implementation activities are so well informed on its projects purpose.

The group is administered by ITC and posts regular updates in regards to project implementation as well as

profiling relevant initiatives, reports completed from other organization in Afghanistan and region.

The group allows for professional networking, awareness raising and sharing of information.

Social media coverage – beyond ITC Events and work done by ITC have been appreciated and spread multiple times on the social media profiles

of prominent individuals and organizations in the project such as EUD, MoIC, ACCI, AWCCI, ANSA.

Certificates Produced and distributed after the trainings organized by the AAT, with logos of all parties, including the EU.

Visibility templates In use for project banner; publications; PPT backdrop; notebook; brochures, etc. The templates show most

favourable to the project, implementing partners and present a common identity.

Project references Effort is being undertaken to ensure that the project is referred to. Notably the project featured in the: 1) ITC Annual Report – 2018

2) DEVCO Annual Report

AAT project brochure Widely distributed to the stakeholders at all major events and displayed on project website (versions in English,

Dari and Pashtu).

b. Progress vis-à-vis communication objectives

Tool Indicators

Press release 4 press releases/media advisories produced Number of readers (ITC website): 2,588 Number of media using the press release: 33 different media companies published media regarding the project

Project "newsletter"

Number of issues: 3 Number of subscribers: 4300 (Including membership of ACCI, AWCCI, AAT contact list and further sharing with MOIC, MAIL, ANSA and EPAA).

ITC website; project's website

Number of visits: xx Number of downloads of material: xx

131

Media channels Number of articles published: 104 press articles/releases published, TV and radio items produced about the project

Information material (leaflet, brochures)

Number of information material:8

Including:

- Quarterly Snapshot Progress Reports (September, 2018; December 2018;

March 2019)

- SMIT tool for tracking NES progress

- Trade information portal

- Quality banners for World Standards Day (3)

Social media Twitter / LinkedIn / Facebook:

Twitter / Facebook: Number of posts: 12 Total reach: N/A Total engagement: N/A

Facebook group:

New followers (%): 0 Followers start: 403 Followers end: 342 Total engagement: N/A

Request for payment

Work Plan for 01 July, 2019 – 31 January, 2020

Q3 Q4 Q1

Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan

Outcome: The Government formulates and implements better informed trade policy and a strategic vision to support trade competitiveness within the region.

Output 1: Government of Afghanistan owns a national export strategy and action plan that was developed in a consultative process with the private sector, and has started its implementation

Activity: Preliminary analysis of trade competitiveness, development agenda, existing trade-related programmes, and key trade support institutions

Activity: NES Pre-engagement mission to support the setup of the NES design structures (Navigator, Core Team, secretariat, etc.) as well as to secure PaP buy-in and support

Activity: Finalize preliminary audits, analysis and formalize NES design structures

132

Activity: Mapping and assessment of the institutional trade support landscape, including a review of quality and SPS infrastructures

Completed

Activity: Inauguration event and first NES Stakeholders’ Consultation to further assess trade performance, initiate sector selection and define national level strategic orientations

Activity: Draft, finalise and translate the Strategic Trade Development Roadmap (Competitiveness assessment, sector and cross-sector selection, strategic orientations & initial recommendations)

Activity: Organise Second Stakeholders Consultation to complete participative value-chain analysis of prioritized sectors and cross-sector functions (incl. Provincial consultations)

Activity: Complete initial strategic recommendations and action matrix

Activity: Organise Third Stakeholders’ Consultation to refine strategic orientations and confirm action plan for the priority sectors and cross-sector functions

Activity: Consolidate, finalise and translate the National Export Strategy document (consolidation, editing, formatting) and its plans of action

Activity: Organise Launching event for official endorsement of the National Export Strategy by the Government of Afghanistan

Output 2: National public and private stakeholders are enabled to manage and coordinate the implementation of the National Export Strategy and mobilise support to implement the validated roadmaps

Activity: Management support to establish and operationalize an effective implementation management framework for successful implementation, tracking and measurement and mobilisation of support for the implementation of the NES action plans (NES Coordination mechanism)

Activity: Support the MoIC and other stakeholders with capacity- building trainings, direct support and tools on NES implementation planning, management techniques and resource mobilisation, including a particular focus on the implementation of quality & standards related solutions.

Output 3. Priority interventions identified during the National Export Strategy design process are implemented to improve regional integration and international trade competitiveness

Sub-activity: 3.1: Quality management – with also a focus on the saffron sector as pilot to reach SMEs

Sub-activity: 3. 2: Building performance: EPAA

Sub-activity 3.3: Increase access to finance for Afghan SMEs in the saffron sector.

Sub-output 3.4: Support to “Start-ups and Emerging Entrepreneurs Network” (SEEN) and “young agripreneurship” in the saffron sector

Output 4: Knowledge sharing mechanisms for GIRoA staff on trade policy/negotiation

133

formulation and implementation are established in partnership with a training institute from the Region

Activity: Needs assessment for trade capacity building of MoIC and governmental agencies is conducted

Completed

Activity: Governmental officers training programme is designed and implemented

Activity: Training modules on trade policy are developed in cooperation with Afghan Universities19

Output 5: Institutional mechanisms to facilitate the implementation of the TFA are established at national level and linked with regional partners

Activity: Support the implementation of the WTO TFA through technical advisory services to IMCWTF and other government agencies

Activity: Support the capacity building and operationalization of IMCWTF and other public sector agencies to implement the WTF TFA

Activity: Increase awareness of private stakeholders on the TFA and their ability to contribute to TFA related PPD within the IMCWTF and other fora

Activity: Structure and facilitate a regional network of (existing) National Trade Facilitation Committees to encourage experience sharing as well as a coordinated and harmonized approach towards the implementation of the TFA

Output 6: SME knowledge of how to manage national cross-border procedures and compliance with regional and/or global market requirements is built encompassing priority markets (building on NES findings)

Activity: Conduct needs assessment of SME export management and compliance training and information requirements

Completed

Activity: Establish and operationalize a trade facilitation portal compliant with the requirements of Article 1.2 of the TFA

Activity: Develop, publish and disseminate a National Trade Procedures Guide for SMEs and entrepreneurs, in print as well as online

Activity: Develop SME export management and compliance training curriculum with a blended learning approach (i.e. face-to-face sessions complemented by on the job coaching)

Completed

Activity: Train the trainers to facilitate e-learning session and to deliver face-to-face trainings

Completed

Activity: Provide in-house coaching services to SMEs

Output 7: Public-private consultation process on domestic/regional key pressing trade policy/regulatory/ negotiation issues is strengthened

Activity: Needs assessment for the operationalization of a PPD platform on trade policy is conducted

Completed

19 Supported to be provided to Kabul University for WTO reference centre in particular.

134

Activity: Research materials/position papers through peer review (whenever local capacity exists) are produced

Activity: Public private dialogue on policy /regulatory issues (bilateral/regional)

Activity: Training of private sector organizations on issues to be further addressed through public private consultations are organized

Activity: Advisory services

135

ANNEX I: MEDIA REPORT: 1 JULY 2018 – 30 JUNE 2019

OVERALL20

AAT PROJECT 2ND PSC MEETING, 11TH JULY 2018 AT WORLD BANK KABUL

https://www.facebook.com/MoCIAfghanistan/posts/2231408703565782

AAT PROJECT QUARTERLY NEWSLETTERS

Fifth project newsletter

o http://www.intracen.org/uploadedFiles/intracenorg/Content/Redesign/Projects/NL5.pdf

Sixth project newsletter

o http://www.intracen.org/uploadedFiles/intracenorg/Content/Redesign/Projects/AAT/aat6.pd

f

Seventh project newsletter

o http://www.intracen.org/uploadedFiles/intracenorg/Content/Redesign/Projects/AAT/AAT7.p

df

Eighth project newsletter

o http://www.intracen.org/uploadedFiles/intracenorg/Content/Redesign/Projects/AAT/AAT8.p

df

KEY FIGURE INTERVIEWS: AAT PROJECT TWO YEARS ON

Kamila Sidiqi, Deputy Minister of Commerce interview

o https://youtu.be/pbmHZ6Z61x4

Atiqullah Nusrat, CEO ACCI, Interview

o https://youtu.be/Rnks_ZVMOEA

Mohammad Rabi Nabizada, Director of International Trade Agreements, Ministry of industry and

commerce

o https://youtu.be/McwCgEsV0_Y

Zabihullah Mudabber, Director, WTO Affairs Division, Ministry Of Industry And Commerce

o https://youtu.be/ValMCScbVpY

Suleman Fatimie, Founding Member, Start-Ups and Emerging Entrepreneurs Network

o https://youtu.be/6fZK55dlcD4

GOVERNMENT OF AFGHANISTAN & UNITED NATIONS - CONFERENCE ON AFGHANISTAN, 27 – 28

NOVEMBER 2018, GENEVA, SWITERLAND

20 Note – immense coverage of the project was received on social media forums such as Facebook and Twitter. However not all will be displayed here due to difficulties in accurately reporting this information.


http://www.intracen.org/uploadedFiles/intracenorg/Content/Redesign/Projects/NL5.pdf

http://www.intracen.org/uploadedFiles/intracenorg/Content/Redesign/Projects/AAT/aat6.pdf

http://www.intracen.org/uploadedFiles/intracenorg/Content/Redesign/Projects/AAT/aat6.pdf

http://www.intracen.org/uploadedFiles/intracenorg/Content/Redesign/Projects/AAT/AAT7.pdf




https://youtu.be/pbmHZ6Z61x4

https://youtu.be/Rnks_ZVMOEA

https://youtu.be/McwCgEsV0_Y

https://youtu.be/ValMCScbVpY

https://youtu.be/6fZK55dlcD4

136

Office of CEO Abdullah Abdullah

CEO Abdullah Abdullah Meets Arancha Gonzales (ITC Executive Director)

o https://www.facebook.com/AFGHANCE/posts/2215612475316897?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.A

RAhoGkfeK4vmG7F44wbuEZUpknk5CrA-

cMHCtJ9U0jJguTgaVbRy5nSTLCggctTVZbmYwlC84gvmFj9W24k1sCoayMQc-

IKcak0KxJzcM9kSGwCC89tQw-z6BJwjMAeNaq8QwIKDJP_TdjRO6PzzPFJIkpe5-

HAkKjOOBerG2JwWb-

qLVr3PCIckPeN5T4AsFR_U6lGVgSTZX69XfOr2RjlpLhhqISo3fqR1pH4IQzXrQOaJ9YiEDxd

vinKRPdo2jhgBsH8ErBuNuGLD0z1fViKIspuSaGSBaXovJsqdZu8ybQ6cKG9Mrj4iZ3wJJUS

KMcxa5eIHURwizegnEN29tl1ljL4&__tn__=-R (National Export Strategy and Advancing

Afghan Trade project discussed)

Private Sector Side Event, 27 November

o UN Web TV – see full televised coverage

http://webtv.un.org/watch/private-sector-geneva-conference-on-afghanistan/5972108663001/

A session opened by Afghanistan President Ghani and moderated by Arancha Gonzalez, ITC Executive

Director. Many of the participants to this discussion made specific mention to the Advancing Afghan Trade

initiatives and the support of EU / ITC. For example:

o Ms. Kamila Sediqi, Deputy Minister of Ministry of Commerce & Industries. Stated: “Ladies

and gentlemen, For the first time Afghanistan has a National Export Strategy. First of all

thank you so much you Arancha and all the team of ITC for the continuous support of the

Ministry of Industry of Commerce, especially for the National Export Strategy. The Strategy

is our compass to attract investment, increase import competitiveness, integrated women

and youth in the trade, develop connections to value chain and improve the intuitional and

regulatory environment. It is the product of a year’s long process and participatory

consultation process.

“As a follow-up up to the agreement (Trade and transit) signed with Uzbekistan we have had the first public

private dialogue with the Republic of Uzbekistan in June 2018 where we discussed trade and transit issues

between the two countries. We also had a public private dialogue with the Republic of Kazakhstan in August

2018 to discuss all trade issues and other aspects of the bilateral economic relationship (This is an initiative

directly supported by AAT project. Conceptualized as well).

“I would like to take this opportunity to mention some of our key policy achievements …. The Afghanistan

National Trade Policy has also been approved and will fill the important gap in the country policy landscape

and enhance Afghanistan trade competitiveness.”

o Ms. Afsana Rahimi, Chairperson, Afghanistan Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry

stated: AWCCI has supported the process of National Export Strategy and National Trade

Policy development.

o Atiqullah Nusrat, CEO, Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries: Made mention of

key reforms and initiatives - one of them being in the area of export promotion. The

development of a National Export Strategy has been the by-product of genuine public and

private collaboration, with the technical support of ITC & Made mention of the key

recommendations going forward - with one of the being the need to "endorse the

Afghanistan National Trade Policy, which is another by-product of public private

collaboration."

o Mr. Qurban Haqjo, Afghanistan Permanent Representative to WTO, stated: “We need to

increase our capacity of government officers to understand WTO rules”. Links to AAT project

https://www.facebook.com/AFGHANCE/posts/2215612475316897?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAhoGkfeK4vmG7F44wbuEZUpknk5CrA-cMHCtJ9U0jJguTgaVbRy5nSTLCggctTVZbmYwlC84gvmFj9W24k1sCoayMQc-IKcak0KxJzcM9kSGwCC89tQw-z6BJwjMAeNaq8QwIKDJP_TdjRO6PzzPFJIkpe5-HAkKjOOBerG2JwWb-qLVr3PCIckPeN5T4AsFR_U6lGVgSTZX69XfOr2RjlpLhhqISo3fqR1pH4IQzXrQOaJ9YiEDxdvinKRPdo2jhgBsH8ErBuNuGLD0z1fViKIspuSaGSBaXovJsqdZu8ybQ6cKG9Mrj4iZ3wJJUSKMcxa5eIHURwizegnEN29tl1ljL4&__tn__=-R








http://webtv.un.org/watch/private-sector-geneva-conference-on-afghanistan/5972108663001/

137

initiative "Afghanistan, WTO and International Trade Programme”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF_isTDI4YU&feature=youtu.be

Permanent Mission of Afghanistan to the World Trade Organization – WTO

o https://www.facebook.com/AfghanistanWTO/posts/260287911330403?__xts__%5B0%5D=6

8.ARByp52BKOEJMDtfl58xedbf3u8dKnzq0FhSZU41zGGTudpJFB3NhAf7uoitdhzmY8RIEe

PjiRdQKtlTUpfYOSBlv2eMHn_mtzE1BKRdCx3TwLSfi4XKc86-

zTuaywW01RfwwcxcNpLSIlR_cLby9JSUTTYr2lSBdsB5Q9uMAoCFgfJL98JcQq6ArTxShFV

rXL7qJhfmQeXUUUEiTlGjKAtv7Adajfxvxue2fiulWN_nC9lSH5QopR2RWw5r-

Zfidhdg9JY2ZH0kl4nRIb8Xd2re62pJvYWR2R_i3lbyv2sqtgomV9HevGyPNIO7p5Ty9DAZAC

8S0UMUPDSHRKQrSfs&__tn__=-R

Mohammad Qurban Haqjo (Afghan Ambassador to WTO)

o https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1941891489257812&set=a.347582142022096&t

ype=3

(Group photo with Private Sector side event panelist, including moderator, Arancha Gonzalez, Executive

Director)

ITC Tweets on Twitter and Facebook

Deputy Minister of Trade Affairs Kamila Sediqi spoke at #GVAfghanistan2018 today.

o https://twitter.com/ITCnews/status/1067458264345051137

The #Afghanistan National Export Strategy promotes peace through prosperity through trade.


Peace though prosperity, prosperity though trade. Today at #GVAfghanistan2018 conference, we

talk about the role of trade in building peace in Afghanistan.

o https://www.facebook.com/InternationalTradeCentre/posts/1084624835040002?__xts__%5

B0%5D=68.ARCki1Xp6Gv4ecWlU5q0BSi2CBPoayXoXeKXRciTppoReOkVlRUWRDIpFV--

xohINDfG0SWta0LcYiNlizVBFrIYlwJQjXEd4Gw1_0mumuyc31zPJtyibIVPFsm6nIy4LA-

2QJB0TTdlufU4hGg33MrYlswVYmi-

vM4tFlX9sPs3p13LqvpHpu0AvHBuh25Vdwv8MJfFtULd1WWsgOJpqKiBYQKpXQFdj57GKp

L5gXiE3LxmZ99sfPGyNdg49mGGy47zsvdBdv1IFGvqTrn6QROfVudZnLZEL0L1gj4_3-

KKskGI76UxBcCtO0stYnVCiRhR9XbtRgskz1g0gptI72MPkA&__tn__=-R

Great 2 catch up with #Afghanistan First Lady Rula Ghani & a group of women entrepreneurs ➡️

together w @europeaid @ITCnews will be supporting Afghan women trade #SheTrades

o https://twitter.com/AranchaGlezLaya/status/1067798858502209536

Many women in the settlements for internally displaced people in Afghanistan’s Herat province are

the sole supporters of their families.

https://twitter.com/ITCnews/status/1067779170112016384

How can trade help build peace in Afghanistan? Watch these videos about #AfghanTrades project and its

impact on the country's economy, small businesses, women and youth: http://www.intracen.org/aat/Films-

Interviews/ … #GVAfghanistan2018


@ITCnews is proud to have contributed to creating Afghanistan National Export Strategy and

looking forward to continue working to empower SMEs, women and youth though #AfganTrades

project.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF_isTDI4YU&feature=youtu.be

https://www.facebook.com/AfghanistanWTO/posts/260287911330403?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARByp52BKOEJMDtfl58xedbf3u8dKnzq0FhSZU41zGGTudpJFB3NhAf7uoitdhzmY8RIEePjiRdQKtlTUpfYOSBlv2eMHn_mtzE1BKRdCx3TwLSfi4XKc86-zTuaywW01RfwwcxcNpLSIlR_cLby9JSUTTYr2lSBdsB5Q9uMAoCFgfJL98JcQq6ArTxShFVrXL7qJhfmQeXUUUEiTlGjKAtv7Adajfxvxue2fiulWN_nC9lSH5QopR2RWw5r-Zfidhdg9JY2ZH0kl4nRIb8Xd2re62pJvYWR2R_i3lbyv2sqtgomV9HevGyPNIO7p5Ty9DAZAC8S0UMUPDSHRKQrSfs&__tn__=-R







https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1941891489257812&set=a.347582142022096&type=3

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1941891489257812&set=a.347582142022096&type=3



https://www.facebook.com/InternationalTradeCentre/posts/1084624835040002?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARCki1Xp6Gv4ecWlU5q0BSi2CBPoayXoXeKXRciTppoReOkVlRUWRDIpFV--xohINDfG0SWta0LcYiNlizVBFrIYlwJQjXEd4Gw1_0mumuyc31zPJtyibIVPFsm6nIy4LA-2QJB0TTdlufU4hGg33MrYlswVYmi-vM4tFlX9sPs3p13LqvpHpu0AvHBuh25Vdwv8MJfFtULd1WWsgOJpqKiBYQKpXQFdj57GKpL5gXiE3LxmZ99sfPGyNdg49mGGy47zsvdBdv1IFGvqTrn6QROfVudZnLZEL0L1gj4_3-KKskGI76UxBcCtO0stYnVCiRhR9XbtRgskz1g0gptI72MPkA&__tn__=-R







https://twitter.com/AranchaGlezLaya/status/1067798858502209536


https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfghanTrades?src=hash

https://t.co/tAhriSiqKz

https://t.co/tAhriSiqKz

https://twitter.com/hashtag/GVAfghanistan2018?src=hash



138

We are happy to welcome Afghanistan private sector leaders at @ITCnews headquarters to talk

about #AfghanTrades project and how it benefits small businesses.


How can trade help build peace in Afghanistan? Watch these videos about #AfghanTrades project

and its impact on the country's economy, small businesses, women and youth:

http://www.intracen.org/aat/Films-Interviews/

#GVAfghanistan2018

Fostering trade-led growth in #Afghanistan. See how trade officials & business reps expand skills

through our Advancing Afghan Trade project funded by @EUinAfghanistan. Talks continue at

#GVAfghanistan2018 conference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF_isTDI4YU&feature=youtu.be …

Ministry of Industry and Commerce

Speech of Ms Kamila Sidiqi on Private Sector in Geneva Conference on Afghanistan

o https://www.facebook.com/MoCIAfghanistan/posts/2507802005926449?__xts__%5B0%5D=

68.ARC8ewgBlPdu-UJxfxVwudc1WoaK-91XUn0RrN8J1f6FuW_4_q8iWD6-

t_VnzSjo0_LzgxwyKm-

O1pCHUJTka3R9csVsNv75AMBb7yh7RKBZK8Gu1BlU_Is5_DLiuQvBtUmnE-

ZYRmJp6rr11XkVHk6g02Gr8pTWQg6q_7czHncWNH95zwq5aksQ9JrqUvXaq9q1bZccfqgM

R-6NfLmOBiYVc1sbtgGkmSt_3YlwUss0jtiSkt3tNQRR85FIbLhCJt-4-

VBDWUvkqKnZrEF3CVIKSmFcNf8BpeNGRq5f_HOszoMCvuW5Lw_HvK4SqBgx4VdlQNxn

32TE9SZm_0povqVbfg&__tn__=-R

(NES and PPDs with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have been discussed)

Atiqullan Nusrat, CEO, Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries

Meeting with Ms. Arancha Gonzales (ITC Executive Director) and discussion on Advancing Afghan

Trade Project.

o https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10215512085333554&id=1181675566&__

xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAC7gCNKcs7IgPZHd33aPRQU4w2U2rDqJXmh76SQKjcSWoB1H5xcEx

5PRYvwNf_dOs78k83AsTXan4MrymUQP7hSjrLVXg_nMc8znu74DQGJ-

2lUXDWxdNmc4ScMPoZKSWvPMjg-

UUUde6AgM9vGwkfmAojSvAyyg3MrXHSFrtRnqLGbb8xNUQ0orFlvYniv3fSeyWcXWouu0gImw

&__tn__=-R

Atiquullah Nusrat participation and speech during the Geneva Confernece

o https://www.facebook.com/AfghanChamber/posts/2194023217308965?__xts__%5B0%5D=

68.ARDU9EmYF7jxwX148sywMh-

eISQcnnL1_wfDQWy6Kj2_d3WeFbpcn6gC3joAbl4vYvCpkkbtpnazqvPWeSn40xZfAFSLE3D

kyapipuvdWErXlfBkQku5lk_26jqBLYuIGB_RxXYTN8a0l7V9nIj0GL-

ruGWskoq1A4rnEYWaXi4cBdkQ4KFeOWAFHDLEAP5CNSTzxZtFoz6FRi9uIZoUqdiZdurr4

emZUPx2W5z2owlIqgFohwjN9xejK6cmOLzrtFNGu5UJyNW6ylXeOMOP9F3FPT8gtsvUSW

VpmRPBdksrhTSiPZS9kXyJ-dn0AzY5B6ZkFNk4msDnegZ9asNeeKU3UXW8nNbGc-

NQ2va2u6jmIzqxopzJo5ulNcGyStDhAPSSPPetWme8_cCZ8Dv1klNfqeSgaW-

nEHAeWQkg3d-yZksxKFBFAdibxTrsLd-xLxmJHDBuwMbOZNqLlrAn&__tn__=-R

o Atiqullah Nusrat mentioend about NES, ANTP andTFA which are the initiatives of AAT

Project

o http://acci.org.af/da/component/content/article/38-news/1497-n.html

MISSION TO KABUL, AFGHANISTAN TO TAKE STOCK OF AAT AND DISCUSS AAT 2

Meeting at ACCI:

ACCI website / Facebook:

The Trade Facilitation Agreement workshop launched at ACCI:


http://www.intracen.org/aat/Films-Interviews/

https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash

https://twitter.com/EUinAfghanistan

https://twitter.com/hashtag/GVAfghanistan2018?src=hash

https://t.co/u2kN02TpjN

https://www.facebook.com/MoCIAfghanistan/posts/2507802005926449?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARC8ewgBlPdu-UJxfxVwudc1WoaK-91XUn0RrN8J1f6FuW_4_q8iWD6-t_VnzSjo0_LzgxwyKm-O1pCHUJTka3R9csVsNv75AMBb7yh7RKBZK8Gu1BlU_Is5_DLiuQvBtUmnE-ZYRmJp6rr11XkVHk6g02Gr8pTWQg6q_7czHncWNH95zwq5aksQ9JrqUvXaq9q1bZccfqgMR-6NfLmOBiYVc1sbtgGkmSt_3YlwUss0jtiSkt3tNQRR85FIbLhCJt-4-VBDWUvkqKnZrEF3CVIKSmFcNf8BpeNGRq5f_HOszoMCvuW5Lw_HvK4SqBgx4VdlQNxn32TE9SZm_0povqVbfg&__tn__=-R








https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10215512085333554&id=1181675566&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAC7gCNKcs7IgPZHd33aPRQU4w2U2rDqJXmh76SQKjcSWoB1H5xcEx5PRYvwNf_dOs78k83AsTXan4MrymUQP7hSjrLVXg_nMc8znu74DQGJ-2lUXDWxdNmc4ScMPoZKSWvPMjg-UUUde6AgM9vGwkfmAojSvAyyg3MrXHSFrtRnqLGbb8xNUQ0orFlvYniv3fSeyWcXWouu0gImw&__tn__=-R






https://www.facebook.com/AfghanChamber/posts/2194023217308965?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDU9EmYF7jxwX148sywMh-eISQcnnL1_wfDQWy6Kj2_d3WeFbpcn6gC3joAbl4vYvCpkkbtpnazqvPWeSn40xZfAFSLE3DkyapipuvdWErXlfBkQku5lk_26jqBLYuIGB_RxXYTN8a0l7V9nIj0GL-ruGWskoq1A4rnEYWaXi4cBdkQ4KFeOWAFHDLEAP5CNSTzxZtFoz6FRi9uIZoUqdiZdurr4emZUPx2W5z2owlIqgFohwjN9xejK6cmOLzrtFNGu5UJyNW6ylXeOMOP9F3FPT8gtsvUSWVpmRPBdksrhTSiPZS9kXyJ-dn0AzY5B6ZkFNk4msDnegZ9asNeeKU3UXW8nNbGc-NQ2va2u6jmIzqxopzJo5ulNcGyStDhAPSSPPetWme8_cCZ8Dv1klNfqeSgaW-nEHAeWQkg3d-yZksxKFBFAdibxTrsLd-xLxmJHDBuwMbOZNqLlrAn&__tn__=-R









http://acci.org.af/da/component/content/article/38-news/1497-n.html

139

o http://acci.org.af/da/component/content/article/38-news/1598-

n.html?fbclid=IwAR28hz_r4aCkelB3oiu7DFBLRqKUu41IoDcuQt_GKWOGA1gkgGUYBCAD

o8I (Website - Dari)

o http://acci.org.af/pa/component/content/article/38-news/996-

n.html?fbclid=IwAR323g6MbnZzlI0vh6vGdIIiscaw1xw1yfxC2octAdG5KtmFvGCffkAM-K8

(Website - Pashto)


68.ARAuGNyOd3yOjEEV3ExbasPxzJQVLUmAVNy2u3KieoTtjxd0sBoWoEDNkFBxASks6Y

vX3zv8LsOxrOUG33pZJkOiXQr0bxx10dYnmqmRF_cA3RkkfNH-

V9KYn46qvyyUDnV6zNafEvIUwfianrHVVl10Pd3h0QUSMKX4zWRqObHBShxbQeA8h66G

WHTiqby8LgAsK9z8HpDgBhk7CJvQ5KlVfiDe5Ey_rlG1mG2Pp1U0HFM-

I9IPymgikPdGm46Df1r27XHJfWmIllV1YUH1FwVW9b0nscFWUIICn5UwBp-

L9q5oE0GMiuvUfqr_2E7BqOF1wixeXx8BSsKbB1giZ5Aoow&__tn__=-R (ACCI Facebook)

CEO Nusrat meets with the ITC delegates:


n.html?fbclid=IwAR1D730PTaEahxAYrxGI0LJZGB-

EXAX4gNqFK32vebM1fyYLhVoPXgPXwck (Dari)


n.html?fbclid=IwAR3CgCkR1KknAyh8mELMwkmRQXyo4R3BMEuw3MUHxVf9YJh71zYfyBl

ziKo (Pashto)


68.ARB9tcFUEsAoO2D6y5-_camFp-

ftu6kAyyPMjcswxlJ_9ZHbM1Aqcms1I2SgKrELj8qaGKrbYV95j8V8jX9I9dUD2S9BvRw6hsp4

jsgoQHQbqH4wtxO8wvsIwhi1FCux29UHADtYlRcxjVxfiG9fXmcYDauqH0CMnHghNAQ_x_q

RlZut-

91j53vK1M20BydyinwpQR8EjDdogYkhuVfJUgzYYL46ppMEkCYHjaCsM8fRwlGlXr_WCtHK

P0qT7P8HtU06Z0bFV21B8mcBGBdsXU6rGPBVH3x0YWpRBhGPi7-

LkMmRPRQag0uD0uarzjaX7nRZEeJjmX7rEBz-gqXrxTtUiQ&__tn__=-R (ACCI Facebook)

The Trade Facilitation Agreement workshop usefully concluded:


n.html?fbclid=IwAR1xnDPG2S0pTnUttv6zsh3Yp6EhATCjFs22BNyB-GXrUr33ldKZEEJlRN8

(Dari)


n.html?fbclid=IwAR0eLi0_rH_aMVt_2Wxx-

C9_abU0pMjobRMBW0fxtgYI8JmGqYiNqGQdGn8 (Pashto)


68.ARCkWBEva2HNA4Bbtm0Klwis_b5WgpFj-

b7oTu52Wp5LJABf6OnmONW8uiGuFKmvNvjoGrGnY5plk7ZG15ItGldohH0BLqhiaQw2zTU

BPX6l2m1mPTpwyZPrY6HaZg-BqO93sn58iVKINeSqWuILkmImv5uBZy76-

IQWHkaMEpRu3rlfjzcJXXn3Gde-kUqb5YzOZTmp1dmVSbxYyY7D-

nLGKnN4GnTiMCWpMbjygWbNqaY-

_eP0fbRXsi4kYcZoYKL1iHASIsGAWRHtaDMRxDwn9-

kqe1vi7knsbEgFauuQgwXpQ0iv3T2x7R2I1Tqa9dm3n9Mr4AEUdxy-CrFNIATskQ&__tn__=-

R (ACCI Facebook)

Atiqullah Nusrat Facebook, CEO ACCI:

o https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10216517296903215&id=1181675566


Meeting at ANSA:

Director General ANSA meets ITC delegation

o https://ansa.gov.af/dr/%D8%AF%DB%8C%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1-

%D9%87%DB%8C%D8%A6%D8%AA-itc-%D8%A7%D8%B2-

%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%87-%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B3%D8%A7

(Website - Dari)

http://acci.org.af/da/component/content/article/38-news/1598-n.html?fbclid=IwAR28hz_r4aCkelB3oiu7DFBLRqKUu41IoDcuQt_GKWOGA1gkgGUYBCADo8I



http://acci.org.af/pa/component/content/article/38-news/996-n.html?fbclid=IwAR323g6MbnZzlI0vh6vGdIIiscaw1xw1yfxC2octAdG5KtmFvGCffkAM-K8

http://acci.org.af/pa/component/content/article/38-news/996-n.html?fbclid=IwAR323g6MbnZzlI0vh6vGdIIiscaw1xw1yfxC2octAdG5KtmFvGCffkAM-K8

https://www.facebook.com/AfghanChamber/posts/2387779161266702?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAuGNyOd3yOjEEV3ExbasPxzJQVLUmAVNy2u3KieoTtjxd0sBoWoEDNkFBxASks6YvX3zv8LsOxrOUG33pZJkOiXQr0bxx10dYnmqmRF_cA3RkkfNH-V9KYn46qvyyUDnV6zNafEvIUwfianrHVVl10Pd3h0QUSMKX4zWRqObHBShxbQeA8h66GWHTiqby8LgAsK9z8HpDgBhk7CJvQ5KlVfiDe5Ey_rlG1mG2Pp1U0HFM-I9IPymgikPdGm46Df1r27XHJfWmIllV1YUH1FwVW9b0nscFWUIICn5UwBp-L9q5oE0GMiuvUfqr_2E7BqOF1wixeXx8BSsKbB1giZ5Aoow&__tn__=-R







http://acci.org.af/da/component/content/article/38-news/1599-n.html?fbclid=IwAR1D730PTaEahxAYrxGI0LJZGB-EXAX4gNqFK32vebM1fyYLhVoPXgPXwck



http://acci.org.af/pa/component/content/article/38-news/997-n.html?fbclid=IwAR3CgCkR1KknAyh8mELMwkmRQXyo4R3BMEuw3MUHxVf9YJh71zYfyBlziKo



https://www.facebook.com/AfghanChamber/posts/2388925144485437?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARB9tcFUEsAoO2D6y5-_camFp-ftu6kAyyPMjcswxlJ_9ZHbM1Aqcms1I2SgKrELj8qaGKrbYV95j8V8jX9I9dUD2S9BvRw6hsp4jsgoQHQbqH4wtxO8wvsIwhi1FCux29UHADtYlRcxjVxfiG9fXmcYDauqH0CMnHghNAQ_x_qRlZut-91j53vK1M20BydyinwpQR8EjDdogYkhuVfJUgzYYL46ppMEkCYHjaCsM8fRwlGlXr_WCtHKP0qT7P8HtU06Z0bFV21B8mcBGBdsXU6rGPBVH3x0YWpRBhGPi7-LkMmRPRQag0uD0uarzjaX7nRZEeJjmX7rEBz-gqXrxTtUiQ&__tn__=-R








http://acci.org.af/pa/component/content/article/38-news/999-n.html?fbclid=IwAR1xnDPG2S0pTnUttv6zsh3Yp6EhATCjFs22BNyB-GXrUr33ldKZEEJlRN8

http://acci.org.af/pa/component/content/article/38-news/999-n.html?fbclid=IwAR1xnDPG2S0pTnUttv6zsh3Yp6EhATCjFs22BNyB-GXrUr33ldKZEEJlRN8

http://acci.org.af/da/component/content/article/38-news/1600-n.html?fbclid=IwAR0eLi0_rH_aMVt_2Wxx-C9_abU0pMjobRMBW0fxtgYI8JmGqYiNqGQdGn8



https://www.facebook.com/AfghanChamber/posts/2391009030943715?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARCkWBEva2HNA4Bbtm0Klwis_b5WgpFj-b7oTu52Wp5LJABf6OnmONW8uiGuFKmvNvjoGrGnY5plk7ZG15ItGldohH0BLqhiaQw2zTUBPX6l2m1mPTpwyZPrY6HaZg-BqO93sn58iVKINeSqWuILkmImv5uBZy76-IQWHkaMEpRu3rlfjzcJXXn3Gde-kUqb5YzOZTmp1dmVSbxYyY7D-nLGKnN4GnTiMCWpMbjygWbNqaY-_eP0fbRXsi4kYcZoYKL1iHASIsGAWRHtaDMRxDwn9-kqe1vi7knsbEgFauuQgwXpQ0iv3T2x7R2I1Tqa9dm3n9Mr4AEUdxy-CrFNIATskQ&__tn__=-R









https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10216517296903215&id=1181675566

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10216502199125780&id=1181675566

https://ansa.gov.af/dr/%D8%AF%DB%8C%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%87%DB%8C%D8%A6%D8%AA-itc-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%87-%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B3%D8%A7



140

o https://www.facebook.com/ANSAAFG/posts/2333750316842362?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.AR

DinnbJcD3XyuPBb9kCH40FgTWzw3SD0VoPjZTpsSDqkXr5bbrfOTbmWRymUmtQRJCd_3

JLktnzL-Z-

ATbA1lfMb9bNf3Lv2YmqyMV9XIBn9ryHOlSNewvTQIhQ9rrAwwC3KWmM6yLjF5Rk6YaHJI

qOm-FuF8hFrENk23uu9Voa4p-Y2Lt23s2d-

vd9eCOONO119H4jTZT_D5NTsImFy5u8VRqRIzo_Ir-T-

XV72J4u_NDRPC5Hm_Y4E6PQg7VInMy1ijPA5oRitZWNBEu76F5fm9Nksok3f9xr_NzIVr5A

QaY9R2nPdPp7GE4Oj-LAU_MyslPfr9CXy8H8t4BHRnvzT1tG&__tn__=-R (ANSA

Facebook)

ITC SheTrades 2018

ITC Executive Director Arancha González in conversation with Rula Ghani, the First Lady of

Afghanistan.

o https://www.facebook.com/ITCSheTrades/videos/2029822427278150/

Rula Ghani Highlights Challenges Faced By Afghan Businesswomen | TOLOnews

o https://www.tolonews.com/business/rula-ghani-highlights-challenges-faced-afghan-

businesswomen?fbclid=IwAR072axSNTHxsq4w2DU31vClAY3078OetsyU7suBM5naJeASo

aNT8645dJ0

OUTPUT 1 & 2

NES in RTA news

o https://www.facebook.com/groups/AdvancingAfghanTrade/permalink/211265304564234

2/

OUTPUT 3

CELEBRATION OF WORLD STANDARD DAY 2018 AT MARMAREEN PALACE, 23 OCTOBER 2018,

KABUL

National Radio and Television of Afghanistan (WSD news from 06:18 – 09:47 mins)

o https://youtu.be/0C5iS_S2Z3M?t=379

Shamshad TV (WSD news from 10:26 – 11:35 min)

o https://youtu.be/_5ran_3f8FM?t=626

1 TV (WSD news from 16:00 – 20:00 mins)

o https://youtu.be/-jCwb-0-0eE?t=964

Mitranews:

o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SYV01zjgpM&fbclid=IwAR24-

cCwankY7exmK4GgnoqXwUaXq-ocGB0H8WS3zQpcagr40SV2Pcg-ClY

ArianaNews (live stream)

o https://www.facebook.com/ariananews/videos/352475411964149/

Advancing Afghan Trade – Facebook Group

o https://www.facebook.com/groups/AdvancingAfghanTrade/permalink/2164650037109309/

https://www.facebook.com/ANSAAFG/posts/2333750316842362?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDinnbJcD3XyuPBb9kCH40FgTWzw3SD0VoPjZTpsSDqkXr5bbrfOTbmWRymUmtQRJCd_3JLktnzL-Z-ATbA1lfMb9bNf3Lv2YmqyMV9XIBn9ryHOlSNewvTQIhQ9rrAwwC3KWmM6yLjF5Rk6YaHJIqOm-FuF8hFrENk23uu9Voa4p-Y2Lt23s2d-vd9eCOONO119H4jTZT_D5NTsImFy5u8VRqRIzo_Ir-T-XV72J4u_NDRPC5Hm_Y4E6PQg7VInMy1ijPA5oRitZWNBEu76F5fm9Nksok3f9xr_NzIVr5AQaY9R2nPdPp7GE4Oj-LAU_MyslPfr9CXy8H8t4BHRnvzT1tG&__tn__=-R








https://www.facebook.com/ITCSheTrades/videos/2029822427278150/

https://www.tolonews.com/business/rula-ghani-highlights-challenges-faced-afghan-businesswomen?fbclid=IwAR072axSNTHxsq4w2DU31vClAY3078OetsyU7suBM5naJeASoaNT8645dJ0



https://www.facebook.com/groups/AdvancingAfghanTrade/permalink/2112653045642342/


https://youtu.be/0C5iS_S2Z3M?t=379

https://youtu.be/_5ran_3f8FM?t=626

https://youtu.be/-jCwb-0-0eE?t=964

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SYV01zjgpM&fbclid=IwAR24-cCwankY7exmK4GgnoqXwUaXq-ocGB0H8WS3zQpcagr40SV2Pcg-ClY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SYV01zjgpM&fbclid=IwAR24-cCwankY7exmK4GgnoqXwUaXq-ocGB0H8WS3zQpcagr40SV2Pcg-ClY

https://www.facebook.com/ariananews/videos/352475411964149/


141

ACCI website:

o http://www.acci.org.af/da/component/content/article/38-news/1452-n.html

Atiqullah Nusrat (CEO ACCI) Facebook

o https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10215272814471932&set=a.2640477129466&ty

pe=3&permPage=1

TRAINING ON METROLOGY FOR ANSA OFFICIALS IN INDIA (KEY INTERVIEWS)

Improving knowledge on meteorology to grow Afghan exports

https://youtu.be/D2WtEUHOKfM

Market access opportunities through improved quality standards (interview with Dur Mohammad

Sangin, Metrologist, ANSA.)

o https://youtu.be/ZqEhtvKQ8I0

Learning from Indian experience in metrology (Interview with Mohammad Yasemi, General

Manager, Metrology Lab, ANSA.

o https://youtu.be/6m81cOiUKN0

TRAINING PROGRAME FOR AFGHAN OFFICIALS AT FSSAI INDIA

Growing Afghan exports by developing food safety authority

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNNqQ5Sg-rU

Better understanding roles in Afghan food safety https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhkwTrzxTAk

Learning from the Indian experience in food safety https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyM-xD3-r3s

Exploring key challenges in Afghan food safety

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hj51Ra224dI

STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION ON THE AFGHANISTAN NATIONAL QUALITY POLICY (NQP), 18

NOVEMBER 2018 IN KABUL

ACCI:

Consultation Meeting on National Quality Policy held in Kabul

o https://www.facebook.com/AfghanChamber/posts/2174762559235031?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.A

RBMNEFU6Zhdysuh3MlxZpcC5t5O-

vUYAyddBDRm0sJGZJy3VpgMnZeAETiBKmU01ZkepbjUTBda64DP0tc-

Fnh4fmdq8rDVHwI1VyYlmB1z2PMRwEQ_TrCX-vyIiET-1Bo8i83va1S_5hNIjpiq7xQAO9P-

vFexR_bWGOwLvEclQsgJRJvyBK5SRDyitB8vWDd-

Og8coiFzIvJbcQO_5FxIht3ueIR43ssBTmbLZUa_574uSqvn0cIZAGdH6iHdobLBnU1wuIrupTmM

V8Q_xxxvZdhVxj07_m2Dh8YFs57qQ8jJ23p1yxiQ0LGkJkni1RRnfsJCCFX06DSq7p3b15I0K9M

RV8hNjT2RE0vH0cNK9dPtF06QPNtwj5oQod7T43vttoW59FRfjovqk8nx5eY4MVwl32wHTZ6etiA

EfcZwJtYtEmYAPvcZXIFORE8OO3T_S68QDWr8I1yWK5qQ&__tn__=-R

ACCI Website:

o http://acci.org.af/da/component/content/article/38-news/1479-n.html

NQP Consultation in the News / Televisions:

1 TV 6PM DariNews 18 Nov 2018

o https://youtu.be/kBcucbR0QF0?t=1086 (NQP news from 18:08 – 24:50 min)

http://www.acci.org.af/da/component/content/article/38-news/1452-n.html

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10215272814471932&set=a.2640477129466&type=3&permPage=1

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10215272814471932&set=a.2640477129466&type=3&permPage=1

https://youtu.be/D2WtEUHOKfM

https://youtu.be/ZqEhtvKQ8I0

https://youtu.be/6m81cOiUKN0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNNqQ5Sg-rU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhkwTrzxTAk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyM-xD3-r3s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hj51Ra224dI

https://www.facebook.com/AfghanChamber/posts/2174762559235031?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBMNEFU6Zhdysuh3MlxZpcC5t5O-vUYAyddBDRm0sJGZJy3VpgMnZeAETiBKmU01ZkepbjUTBda64DP0tc-Fnh4fmdq8rDVHwI1VyYlmB1z2PMRwEQ_TrCX-vyIiET-1Bo8i83va1S_5hNIjpiq7xQAO9P-vFexR_bWGOwLvEclQsgJRJvyBK5SRDyitB8vWDd-Og8coiFzIvJbcQO_5FxIht3ueIR43ssBTmbLZUa_574uSqvn0cIZAGdH6iHdobLBnU1wuIrupTmMV8Q_xxxvZdhVxj07_m2Dh8YFs57qQ8jJ23p1yxiQ0LGkJkni1RRnfsJCCFX06DSq7p3b15I0K9MRV8hNjT2RE0vH0cNK9dPtF06QPNtwj5oQod7T43vttoW59FRfjovqk8nx5eY4MVwl32wHTZ6etiAEfcZwJtYtEmYAPvcZXIFORE8OO3T_S68QDWr8I1yWK5qQ&__tn__=-R










https://youtu.be/kBcucbR0QF0?t=1086

142

RTA (National TV) 8PM DariNews 18 Nov 2018

o https://youtu.be/DOdRosEC0ug?t=1141 (NQP news from 19:00 – 22:07 min)

ToloNews Interview with Mr. Abdul Saboor Kamran (Plan and Policy Director of ANSA)

o https://youtu.be/lpHfbjoPLEc

Pajhwak Afghan News:

o https://www.pajhwok.com/en/node/529782

Bakhtar News Agency:

o http://bakhtarnews.com.af/dari/business/item/104488-

%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA-%D8%B5%D9%86%D8%B9%D8%AA-

%D9%88-%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA-

%D9%85%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%AF%D9%87-

%D9%BE%D8%A7%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%B3%DB%8C-%D9%85%D9%84%DB%8C-

%DA%A9%DB%8C%D9%81%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D8%B1%D8%A7-%D8%A8%D9%87-

%D9%86%D8%B8%D8%B1-%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%87%DB%8C-

%DA%AF%D8%B0%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%AA.html

NQP in Social Media:

Afghanistan Business Council China

o https://www.facebook.com/AfgBCC/posts/2175711769189382?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARCNFP

4NOJ9Qm5pCNptAa4P8v76ulccvb0wSh1XhKz9u5Ss8RISI7hMIISGKF8q-

oDpcB3YuPnc7c4IywXfhofxBR3W-OzB3tMMeg6tGU3_p0aNqPa9m_-

pWyldICjSD28egJyLdirkoONKoPUW2_2g8U9AgVmzz9GZSgTCJUC9_aJPHaGyNmcjR6UilBS

NYbsmEJiQ6qB5LAsVXX5sZLq0Xnkceaad0ULERo3r2tIaEFLC4lpnqY0cCtJwccXhH3hNvJkZF6

tUI4mDr-f8Z-KM_0T82kTv67n5MSvWg9I0g16CoBvv1aq-

9RZCBSznGHsB28DW79igiGp2M7cN0EuvIvzQ6&__tn__=-R

The Kabul Carpets Association


2&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARCn7C_Nmq4DEUZ6maOinseL4k9En8BpHFeypgPfdDoNkG0oj8SR

XEwQYclU64ssLlqHWNqv2-

yKliWD3X1pKQiFSQ1w6lx2wUZeqGMDGd7IWRLxUJf1zL7iCQFScHQR98Fgb3-

DJxt0swLVubGcl9-STDwNjMO7-

eahgxAlAsS8uyrPzu74NAJY4gpJulekP9Qm3m3Jg8m8PGYHeBYJyogrpFUuEsNulmVJKa04bW

BDiDv0Ia32SQTBxc3o_7oOBjditWAsvSaCsBh96nGu_g6pBrgIOXiOxyFRnH3yX9Cvnija2c17TtB

hZgdpCvseihkplx55R2qJwz2e8AWghdwzFQ&__tn__=-R

WORKSHOP ON WTO SPS AND TBT AGREEMENTS, 23 – 28 FEBRUARY 2019 IN KABUL

MOIC Facebook


ANSA 5 years Strategic Plan:

ANSA and AAT Facebook


WORKSHOP ON EU FOOD SAFETY CONTROL SYSTEM & REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPORT OF AGRO

AND AGRO-PROCESSED PRODUCTS, 29 May 2019, Park Star Hotel Kabul.

https://youtu.be/DOdRosEC0ug?t=1141

https://youtu.be/lpHfbjoPLEc

https://www.pajhwok.com/en/node/529782

http://bakhtarnews.com.af/dari/business/item/104488-%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA-%D8%B5%D9%86%D8%B9%D8%AA-%D9%88-%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA-%D9%85%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%AF%D9%87-%D9%BE%D8%A7%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%B3%DB%8C-%D9%85%D9%84%DB%8C-%DA%A9%DB%8C%D9%81%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D8%B1%D8%A7-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D9%86%D8%B8%D8%B1-%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%87%DB%8C-%DA%AF%D8%B0%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%AA.html








https://www.facebook.com/AfgBCC/posts/2175711769189382?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARCNFP4NOJ9Qm5pCNptAa4P8v76ulccvb0wSh1XhKz9u5Ss8RISI7hMIISGKF8q-oDpcB3YuPnc7c4IywXfhofxBR3W-OzB3tMMeg6tGU3_p0aNqPa9m_-pWyldICjSD28egJyLdirkoONKoPUW2_2g8U9AgVmzz9GZSgTCJUC9_aJPHaGyNmcjR6UilBSNYbsmEJiQ6qB5LAsVXX5sZLq0Xnkceaad0ULERo3r2tIaEFLC4lpnqY0cCtJwccXhH3hNvJkZF6tUI4mDr-f8Z-KM_0T82kTv67n5MSvWg9I0g16CoBvv1aq-9RZCBSznGHsB28DW79igiGp2M7cN0EuvIvzQ6&__tn__=-R







https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1960165670951625&id=100008746328282&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARCn7C_Nmq4DEUZ6maOinseL4k9En8BpHFeypgPfdDoNkG0oj8SRXEwQYclU64ssLlqHWNqv2-yKliWD3X1pKQiFSQ1w6lx2wUZeqGMDGd7IWRLxUJf1zL7iCQFScHQR98Fgb3-DJxt0swLVubGcl9-STDwNjMO7-eahgxAlAsS8uyrPzu74NAJY4gpJulekP9Qm3m3Jg8m8PGYHeBYJyogrpFUuEsNulmVJKa04bWBDiDv0Ia32SQTBxc3o_7oOBjditWAsvSaCsBh96nGu_g6pBrgIOXiOxyFRnH3yX9Cvnija2c17TtBhZgdpCvseihkplx55R2qJwz2e8AWghdwzFQ&__tn__=-R









143

Tolonews (Dari news 29 May)

https://youtu.be/oh1K7H09GlY?t=1079 (from 18:00 minute)

1 TV (Dari news 29 May)

https://youtu.be/biV8TebQ-kg?t=1074 (from 17:53 minute)

Arianna TV (Pashto news 29 May)

https://youtu.be/3fN_WvogxG4?t=1129 (from 18:50 minute)

ATV

https://www.facebook.com/aynanews2017/videos/2444852225545431/

o Arianna News:

International Trade Center Holds Information Workshops For Afghan Merchants

https://ariananews.af/international-trade-center-holds-information-workshops-for-afghan-merchants/

Coverage on counterpart’s accounts (Facebook, website, twitter and etc):

ACCI facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/AfghanChamber/posts/2470772369634047?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDgOjjJYA

NALCVjDlDucVnBDOnX-

E29BgjqAn9DL0DWTpLuSqQOb5sH61UON0VQmGlS6iCsSlCJvJARrBZjzqPNDhumWw8YTJGxk6Q-

x9zuOxsm_Cj_erERR4aNNpxNUksHqibHJ05mt3SOs01oya3BEdAeErfn80IX8fVofYtYzzKxLlLpgSBo8bvNVq

oA2gJQ7luvA9BP_oJXchWfXS019zMuKOTGwHIdDETiI2kUDv4FiJkxdq7vdaUrdSfk5y1PpSRnK7GAlqoAfqT

Hz_TNA1njUq5KvDOUrNtEqfvitRX5BWs2mZprW4N9EzNHf5ud0m6EHTqQ0Xo48nwmYiCmlw&__tn__=-R

ACCI website:


AWCCI FB:

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=637798449963681&id=279144072495789&__xts__%5

B0%5D=68.ARCU2o1_fYrygpqcyYoBCUk7nq2emRFaKQIs5TZdAXurkhnmD-

50jA5Ba_Z7Sv91G8FF0tirGVFlY6PJTdlxT5BAG2UFI35qHIZW2Sq-

OsK39G2oDVKStvkGW0YFBD1wg80qk2u2Q0bIclw963_kYQRJb6A_ezXXlxAt0daCUxalkvh_bTSJ1dAcAFC

TG5Dyf-2tYIqogV-FIW-

m3h_epKdggOW122_0bdMCMljyIIqxRDbu12sJPk8C3MU3TbbkKh_KYm71dh1WjbMcl915b4yCkGURGQfj7

Tkl3KwHfM8ZQUPUrDlVRdWx6kCOB_LsONC1sdY1m-8738LYbJxCpO-

3MSJNMVjZatGLF0ixEn2_6LZv_t4_Jw&__tn__=-R

SEEN INAUGURATION CEREMONY, 15 JUNE 2019, KABUL STAR HOTEL

Local TV Channels:

o Arianna AT (SEEN report from 17:37 to 20:20 min)

http://bit.ly/2WOB5Re

Ministry of Economy Afghanistan, Official Facebook page

H.E. Dr Mustafa Mastoor attended the SEEN inauguration ceremony and gave speech.

http://bit.ly/2FgYdCe

SEEN Facebook Page:

SEEN Officially inaugurated

https://bit.ly/2FbIbJS

Watch one of SEEN’s founders, Mirwais Arya and his interview at 1TV tonight at 10:00pm

speaking about SEEN’s Inauguration today

http://bit.ly/2x2N2s9

https://youtu.be/oh1K7H09GlY?t=1079

https://youtu.be/biV8TebQ-kg?t=1074

https://youtu.be/3fN_WvogxG4?t=1129

https://www.facebook.com/aynanews2017/videos/2444852225545431/

https://ariananews.af/international-trade-center-holds-information-workshops-for-afghan-merchants/

https://www.facebook.com/AfghanChamber/posts/2470772369634047?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDgOjjJYANALCVjDlDucVnBDOnX-E29BgjqAn9DL0DWTpLuSqQOb5sH61UON0VQmGlS6iCsSlCJvJARrBZjzqPNDhumWw8YTJGxk6Q-x9zuOxsm_Cj_erERR4aNNpxNUksHqibHJ05mt3SOs01oya3BEdAeErfn80IX8fVofYtYzzKxLlLpgSBo8bvNVqoA2gJQ7luvA9BP_oJXchWfXS019zMuKOTGwHIdDETiI2kUDv4FiJkxdq7vdaUrdSfk5y1PpSRnK7GAlqoAfqTHz_TNA1njUq5KvDOUrNtEqfvitRX5BWs2mZprW4N9EzNHf5ud0m6EHTqQ0Xo48nwmYiCmlw&__tn__=-R







https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=637798449963681&id=279144072495789&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARCU2o1_fYrygpqcyYoBCUk7nq2emRFaKQIs5TZdAXurkhnmD-50jA5Ba_Z7Sv91G8FF0tirGVFlY6PJTdlxT5BAG2UFI35qHIZW2Sq-OsK39G2oDVKStvkGW0YFBD1wg80qk2u2Q0bIclw963_kYQRJb6A_ezXXlxAt0daCUxalkvh_bTSJ1dAcAFCTG5Dyf-2tYIqogV-FIW-m3h_epKdggOW122_0bdMCMljyIIqxRDbu12sJPk8C3MU3TbbkKh_KYm71dh1WjbMcl915b4yCkGURGQfj7Tkl3KwHfM8ZQUPUrDlVRdWx6kCOB_LsONC1sdY1m-8738LYbJxCpO-3MSJNMVjZatGLF0ixEn2_6LZv_t4_Jw&__tn__=-R








http://bit.ly/2WOB5Re

http://bit.ly/2FgYdCe

https://bit.ly/2FbIbJS

https://www.facebook.com/Mirwais-Arya-247667213351/?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARCaQjr9lLXFm2Jfuw-IYQytMquP7aMfncgpHiFigDaFadge3Fh7QwvZoIZpC0Wfl73jecmj1k_872gM&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARA5anWgzZeCms_OR3ADYv77ecBzm884lzSBAEdZ4grwU5mNRM8t_Q0ayhlMsj3c_tCZaeCu6f-GDibCSLux7xQye97Nb_oczBELJlUJHqGetoj3s1C9gbKizSlq4i9Pyp91GuuE-ElSljok-XZWX2wQiE73Hv6pdiL5Z9hhuEGO-Z2QO5TPdE90027FEcLuBJT6iVy3IpNLDAh0RPRtV10bNwV-ArXP5_th65ot4TFL7S9Yf1orWqrkfWUwNwSBo_cRv1Jat4ClWVKdl8e2t_muC8njEi4nvBCNvqsypyL_S3yyAzzfhB3w5fXSAPb0NR1jk8DUEPMeBDfUwhqew14

http://bit.ly/2x2N2s9

144

Picture album of SEEN's Inauguration Ceremony

https://www.facebook.com/pg/seenafg/photos/

Afghanistan Centre for Excellence (ACE) Facebook page:

We're proud to be one of the founding members of SEEN- Startups and Emerging

Entrepreneurs Network.

http://bit.ly/2ZpD4gO

Advancing Afghan Trade Project (AAT) Facebook group

http://bit.ly/2x1OZ8e

OUTPUT 4

INAUGURATION OF TRADE CAPACITY BUILDING (2nd batch) FOR AFGHANISTAN, NEW DELHI,

INDIA.

Press release (inauguration of 2nd batch)

o http://www.intracen.org/news/Two-year-training-programme-for-Afghan-trade-

policymakers-concludes-in-New-Delhi/


Website: Embassy of Afghanistan in New Delhi, India

o https://www.facebook.com/AfghanistanInIN/posts/1798533903577318

Website: Embassy of Afghanistan in New Delhi, India

o https://www.facebook.com/AfghanistanInIN/posts/1798475440249831

Two-year training programme for Afghan trade policymakers concludes in New Delhi (film)

Press Release: Two-year training programme for Afghan trade policymakers concludes in New Delhi

https://www.facebook.com/CentreForWtoStudies/photos/a.317340808374335/2073385339436531/?type=3&

__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARB_YNM1jiVZB0EwRB8cg17d3CsYlcrNYYhSoSf9c_wPIr_R6-

VhdZu8_Xd2uvTaflpMt6o8NnAbjJLZ6L3eYLyr7RFj8vtMG5avJhsJkM7qDQGBIb1vJXl8-lVBk-

08PSAFxp1LCmOu1oKrKfuKcORbTJRVfdM4_gMXBw5tLP-

BJ5OD3LWk5AG8X0xVWlIsXOQi_YXveEttnWXLSvUX2QHbzT5CudOzhqcxgvHP3coR9cB2ddwiFLkoelxTr

VJ6lybjiQ8Gc6D00e-

zJE3rnt4GmzYT76Ok6gzoqhnIZXzGQYkZKnJcWqtvkVzYUZvb_3binV3DPtdQrHjzR9uODCgShQ&__tn__=-

R

http://wtocentre.iift.ac.in/pdf/Press%20Release%20-%20ITC-Afghanistan%20Training%202019.pdf

Two-year training programme for Afghan trade policymakers concludes in New Delhi (interview with

former DM Sidiqi)

https://www.facebook.com/CentreForWtoStudies/posts/2073389349436130?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBwo

M8O5PaiaL61KD4M508zji5WBcM7WJeOHQmCbbr5m3AAzcAoEiBBW5pGPFg007debxZCx1qSCStwlprCN

dKa9tZsGTc7WNGXDXYGT9UtyqIi3wluP2yiBeP0VXzgLV1HH_nF5k7GF9tcSQt3fDiRskKvgqp4Z6lNG8qsp

Fap-

1Gjhg9o4lYNuExEvf0j9LSIFTTrHSzbHeqcTaRYiB4juHmAzB_b5XVOhQdOC9zVRgfU2VnqISAQ770qgOmI8

0kV48qw0bbBdfKHNxM-

sbkWwahY9iObxVDCpyvapo5pfv3Uxx850G3pwESdHybgSYuNdye9CrqE6tBdciiwkrOrZg&__tn__=-R

Two-year training programme for Afghan trade policymakers concludes in New Delhi (film)

https://www.facebook.com/pg/seenafg/photos/

http://bit.ly/2ZpD4gO

http://bit.ly/2x1OZ8e


https://www.facebook.com/AfghanistanInIN/posts/1798533903577318

https://www.facebook.com/AfghanistanInIN/posts/1798475440249831

https://www.facebook.com/CentreForWtoStudies/photos/a.317340808374335/2073385339436531/?type=3&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARB_YNM1jiVZB0EwRB8cg17d3CsYlcrNYYhSoSf9c_wPIr_R6-VhdZu8_Xd2uvTaflpMt6o8NnAbjJLZ6L3eYLyr7RFj8vtMG5avJhsJkM7qDQGBIb1vJXl8-lVBk-08PSAFxp1LCmOu1oKrKfuKcORbTJRVfdM4_gMXBw5tLP-BJ5OD3LWk5AG8X0xVWlIsXOQi_YXveEttnWXLSvUX2QHbzT5CudOzhqcxgvHP3coR9cB2ddwiFLkoelxTrVJ6lybjiQ8Gc6D00e-zJE3rnt4GmzYT76Ok6gzoqhnIZXzGQYkZKnJcWqtvkVzYUZvb_3binV3DPtdQrHjzR9uODCgShQ&__tn__=-R








http://wtocentre.iift.ac.in/pdf/Press%20Release%20-%20ITC-Afghanistan%20Training%202019.pdf

https://www.facebook.com/CentreForWtoStudies/posts/2073389349436130?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBwoM8O5PaiaL61KD4M508zji5WBcM7WJeOHQmCbbr5m3AAzcAoEiBBW5pGPFg007debxZCx1qSCStwlprCNdKa9tZsGTc7WNGXDXYGT9UtyqIi3wluP2yiBeP0VXzgLV1HH_nF5k7GF9tcSQt3fDiRskKvgqp4Z6lNG8qspFap-1Gjhg9o4lYNuExEvf0j9LSIFTTrHSzbHeqcTaRYiB4juHmAzB_b5XVOhQdOC9zVRgfU2VnqISAQ770qgOmI80kV48qw0bbBdfKHNxM-sbkWwahY9iObxVDCpyvapo5pfv3Uxx850G3pwESdHybgSYuNdye9CrqE6tBdciiwkrOrZg&__tn__=-R







145

https://www.facebook.com/CentreForWtoStudies/posts/2073603222748076?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDy69

hH00cffdOSXs_VwaSchhYX4ysQmF8glhS9fE4EpkxpRB6nsy2ip3ME8s4b07HxzM3UfPqurrvEPyXqqeJDCA

TOe5itXidWETRSasooHjX0H6GGJ6zc5ck-

yNoFWo_Rysr4DghhupGcYmx6EIUZgJO10nguFRZ4b2X3ZQXcGp_gWTXEv9RG2-

tnoNfFsoeduhqX7wYb78V6sPUp06Nh5MVc-RHGCGcy2wrkDMIJeKU7bnvLtwKD97s-

4hClpUxhD9euuNr2s7P3Hz0lDQFg6mbg47Kh0nbo02u2_ZVUdlmmhC0H_iqfp_L0_j6Z4rl4ARGgmeBpKev8-

aOCro01eQ&__tn__=-R

Trade Capacity Building of Afghanistan, Third Advanced Training under CWS-ITC Project, 12-15

March 2019, NAFED House, Ashram Chowk, New Delhi

https://www.facebook.com/CentreForWtoStudies/posts/2073405356101196?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDO9mp2dwmYnR3gJQz_YUb_9dSxXbP5i_09wy5ME8J7Fw9mxTtcniqRWpXNPawLpsXBiWs1ushMtnmcwvQiwajy21fSjAYnfIwIX3zR0zLrN1ujZE92pfA2zw4zJ1k28tQOf4AEZJTZpYUP1a8Zm2P-N6z6oWXKiM-S8VMr1KkFmoYSF4OMb0xta4GAmjv-uW9uq2AR9ahBEvgNT5fRXR5w4AytCWaraeQIsFl2VDjnbQ1ax62rN0Bm44cXsVUHiDbdKI51zvWRjEDngw8iqD_ujjZ6amdxb-CY-r3fx-7IUZ76NP2ZYUVbIMkipXTTVOXbHFFvMuezMkGvLcAj-8hOxQ&__tn__=-R

OUTPUT 5 & 6

PRIVATE SECTOR CONSULTATION ON THE PRIORITIZATION AND SEQUENCING OF THE WORLD

TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO) TRADE FACILITATION AGREEMENT.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1958319470879342&type=3


OUTPUT 7

AFGHANISTAN AND KAZAKHSTAN STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION TO ENHANCE TRADING

RELATIONS (03, AUGUST, ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN)

ToloNews:

MoU Signed To Ease Trade Between Afghanistan, Kazakhstan (Eng)

o https://www.tolonews.com/index.php/business/mou-signed-ease-trade-between-afghanistan-

kazakhstan

Dari:

o https://www.tolonews.com/fa/business/%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%B6%D8%A7%DB%8C-

%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%81%D9%82%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%87%E2%

80%8C%DB%8C-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%AF-

%D8%B3%D9%87%D9%88%D9%84%D8%AA%E2%80%8C%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-

%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B2%D8%B1%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C-

%D8%A8%D8%A7-

%D9%82%D8%B2%D8%A7%D9%82%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86

Pashto:

o https://www.tolonews.com/pa/business/%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%BA%D8%A7%D9%86%D8

%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%88-

%D9%82%D8%B2%D8%A7%D9%82%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86-

%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%AF%D8%A7%DA%AB%D8%B1%DB%8D-

%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AA%DB%8C%D8%A7%D9%88%D9%88-

https://www.facebook.com/CentreForWtoStudies/posts/2073603222748076?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDy69hH00cffdOSXs_VwaSchhYX4ysQmF8glhS9fE4EpkxpRB6nsy2ip3ME8s4b07HxzM3UfPqurrvEPyXqqeJDCATOe5itXidWETRSasooHjX0H6GGJ6zc5ck-yNoFWo_Rysr4DghhupGcYmx6EIUZgJO10nguFRZ4b2X3ZQXcGp_gWTXEv9RG2-tnoNfFsoeduhqX7wYb78V6sPUp06Nh5MVc-RHGCGcy2wrkDMIJeKU7bnvLtwKD97s-4hClpUxhD9euuNr2s7P3Hz0lDQFg6mbg47Kh0nbo02u2_ZVUdlmmhC0H_iqfp_L0_j6Z4rl4ARGgmeBpKev8-aOCro01eQ&__tn__=-R
















https://www.tolonews.com/index.php/business/mou-signed-ease-trade-between-afghanistan-kazakhstan

https://www.tolonews.com/index.php/business/mou-signed-ease-trade-between-afghanistan-kazakhstan

https://www.tolonews.com/fa/business/%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%B6%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%81%D9%82%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%87%E2%80%8C%DB%8C-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%B3%D9%87%D9%88%D9%84%D8%AA%E2%80%8C%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B2%D8%B1%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D9%82%D8%B2%D8%A7%D9%82%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86







https://www.tolonews.com/pa/business/%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%BA%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%88-%D9%82%D8%B2%D8%A7%D9%82%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%AF%D8%A7%DA%AB%D8%B1%DB%8D-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AA%DB%8C%D8%A7%D9%88%D9%88-%D9%87%D9%88%DA%A9%DA%93%D9%87-%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%84%DB%8C%DA%A9-%DA%A9%DA%93%D9%87





146

%D9%87%D9%88%DA%A9%DA%93%D9%87-

%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%84%DB%8C%DA%A9-%DA%A9%DA%93%D9%87

TOLOnews 6pm News 03 August 2018 (Dari)

o https://youtu.be/J-DpGGf-W0g?t=1099

(PPD news from 18:19 – 21:05)

TOLOnews 6pm News 04 August 2018 (Dari)

o https://youtu.be/NQE_k2n7LFk?t=1108

(PPD news from 18:27 – 20:25)

TOLOnews Twitter:

o https://twitter.com/TOLOnews/status/1025765607453667328

Baztab News:

Afghanistan and Kazakhstan Signed the MOU/Agreement to ease the transit.

o https://baztab.news/article/700931

Moqawmat News Agency:

Afghanistan and Kazakhstan Signed the MOU/Agreement to ease the transit and trade.

o http://moqawemat.com/%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%B6%D8%A7%DB%8C-

%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%81%D9%82%E2%80%8C%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85%

DB%80-

%D8%B3%D9%87%D9%88%D9%84%D8%AA%E2%80%8C%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-

%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B2%D8%B1%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%86/

Wadsam Afghan Business News Portal:

Afghanistan, Kazakhstan Sign MoU To Resolve Trade Issues

o http://wadsam.com/afghan-business-news/afghanistan-kazakhstan-sign-mou-resolve-trade-

issues-232/

MENAFN:

Afghanistan, Kazakhstan Sign MoU To Resolve Trade Issues

o https://menafn.com/1097249627/Afghanistan-Kazakhstan-Sign-MoU-To-Resolve-Trade-

Issues

MOIC:

Website:

o http://moci.gov.af/fa/news/138773

Facebook:

o https://www.facebook.com/MoCIAfghanistan/posts/2281617395211579


MOIC Economic and Social Weekly Magazine:

o http://moci.gov.af/Content/files/SecondVolume%20Weekly%20.pdf

Advancing Afghan Trade Project Facebook Group:



AfghanEcnomics:



https://youtu.be/J-DpGGf-W0g?t=1099

https://youtu.be/NQE_k2n7LFk?t=1108

https://twitter.com/TOLOnews/status/1025765607453667328

https://baztab.news/article/700931

http://moqawemat.com/%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%B6%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%81%D9%82%E2%80%8C%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85%DB%80-%D8%B3%D9%87%D9%88%D9%84%D8%AA%E2%80%8C%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B2%D8%B1%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%86/





http://wadsam.com/afghan-business-news/afghanistan-kazakhstan-sign-mou-resolve-trade-issues-232/

http://wadsam.com/afghan-business-news/afghanistan-kazakhstan-sign-mou-resolve-trade-issues-232/

https://menafn.com/1097249627/Afghanistan-Kazakhstan-Sign-MoU-To-Resolve-Trade-Issues

https://menafn.com/1097249627/Afghanistan-Kazakhstan-Sign-MoU-To-Resolve-Trade-Issues

http://moci.gov.af/fa/news/138773



http://moci.gov.af/Content/files/SecondVolume%20Weekly%20.pdf



147

MoU Signed To Ease Trade Between Afghanistan, Kazakhstan.

o https://www.facebook.com/afghan.economic.advisor/photos/a.1731477070201268.1073741

828.197807433568247/2278470625501907/?type=3

Kazakh Media

Prime-Minister's office Site

o https://primeminister.kz/ru/news/all/kazahstansko-afganskie-otnosheniya-biznesmeni-dvuh-

stran-dogovorilis-o-sotrudnichestve-16929

National Channel Khabar

o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tCv2UtPFVc

Atameken Business Channel, since 6.12min

o https://abctv.kz/ru/tv/3-08-2018-14-00-bloomberg

o https://www.inform.kz/ru/kazahstan-i-afganistan-namereny-ukreplyat-sotrudnichestvo-v-

raznyh-sferah_a3342614

o http://www.dailynews.kz/economics/biznesmeny_kazahstana_i_afganistana_dogovorilis_o_s

otrudnichestve

Trend News Agency:

Kazakhstan, Afghanistan discuss prospects of bilateral relations

o https://en.trend.az/casia/kazakhstan/2936765.html

Time of Central Asia:

Kazakhstan and Afghanistan businessmen agree on cooperation

o https://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/20085-kazakhstan-and-afghanistan-businessmen-

agree-on-cooperation

AFGHAN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS MEET BALKH PRIVATE SECTOR TO RAISE AWARENESS ON

DEEPENING OF TRADE RELATIONS WITH UZBEKISTAN

MOIC:

Consultation meeting with private sector of Balkh province on enhancing trade relations with Central

Asia



Acting Minister MOIC meets with the governor of Balkh province



Acting minister MOIC visits the provincial directorate of MOIC in Balkh province



Acting minister MOIC visits the packaging company of dry fruits in Balkh province



https://www.facebook.com/afghan.economic.advisor/photos/a.1731477070201268.1073741828.197807433568247/2278470625501907/?type=3

https://www.facebook.com/afghan.economic.advisor/photos/a.1731477070201268.1073741828.197807433568247/2278470625501907/?type=3

https://primeminister.kz/ru/news/all/kazahstansko-afganskie-otnosheniya-biznesmeni-dvuh-stran-dogovorilis-o-sotrudnichestve-16929

https://primeminister.kz/ru/news/all/kazahstansko-afganskie-otnosheniya-biznesmeni-dvuh-stran-dogovorilis-o-sotrudnichestve-16929

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tCv2UtPFVc

https://abctv.kz/ru/tv/3-08-2018-14-00-bloomberg

https://www.inform.kz/ru/kazahstan-i-afganistan-namereny-ukreplyat-sotrudnichestvo-v-raznyh-sferah_a3342614

https://www.inform.kz/ru/kazahstan-i-afganistan-namereny-ukreplyat-sotrudnichestvo-v-raznyh-sferah_a3342614

http://www.dailynews.kz/economics/biznesmeny_kazahstana_i_afganistana_dogovorilis_o_sotrudnichestve

http://www.dailynews.kz/economics/biznesmeny_kazahstana_i_afganistana_dogovorilis_o_sotrudnichestve

https://en.trend.az/casia/kazakhstan/2936765.html

https://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/20085-kazakhstan-and-afghanistan-businessmen-agree-on-cooperation

https://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/20085-kazakhstan-and-afghanistan-businessmen-agree-on-cooperation









148

PRIVATE SECTOR CONSULTATION ON THE AFGHANISTAN NATIONAL TRADE POLICY (ANTP), 13

OCTOBER 2018 IN KABUL.

MOIC Facebook

o https://www.facebook.com/MoCIAfghanistan/posts/2415000451873272?__xts__%5B0%5D=6

8.ARDSbNACy3c2XLxWpsZBZRL5tYEVIbDDERHgk4VHDwXdcXtH1Kgok1fseCuniEN-

q3M1naDoS3U2FeFYdGqFSLNbLOPAemMcI2qt0XIh1-

jK0DIGrrDpfK1s6lBVkO4zJUrFx5_b0FLtn6x0TmyChPAGuzZQwIdrVShhsb-CgLQBCXH7-

l7xUw&__tn__=-R

MOIC Website


ACCI Facebook

o https://www.facebook.com/AfghanChamber/posts/2122569687787652?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.

ARDxrA_0nO8LRdmNBGAKUxUirs9WFyO9Mb0NWHlzvdnAefXDVV4e1IMjj1nKZ3E684zBTN

p7MrSczQMxXgjpItsFKfYmkxe7kbcRsb7dBxB5Sj1QCqzF5fmeuA_n1ej_ieqezjPaT7ihowQ2PT

4Aw24CJcBcxAuaxfabvSFJgFYbh7Z-5DknPA&__tn__=-R

ACCI Website

o http://acci.org.af/component/content/article/38-news/784-n.html

Atiqullah Nusrat Facebook


66&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAb0CImxiKuQlwnkbfkCZf_cXKiafPnlEnvtfg3hakbmFsnzqyi1

0LNuvwQmkHpLTq8-

b6xm1WEswCffcV5jN2dQUlKutO21bPavut9dXLLMEm_YK6HXR3EdH9T_sGRGrBIqQlwA

jXO7LM0r_IEg1I8cMD5gww9fBKgWmpyFURgqqhhtJKOpFI&__tn__=-R

Private Sector Consultation on ANTP in the News / Televisions:

TOLOnews 6pm News 13 October 2018

o https://youtu.be/ltU9380-Dc4?t=978 (ANTP news from 16:18 – 18:20 mins)

ToloNews Website

o https://www.tolonews.com/business/govt-discusses-trade-policy-private-sector

Lemar TV

o https://youtu.be/SlyVSvglM_E?t=1065 (ANTP news from 17:45 – 20:02 mins)

Shamshad TV

o https://youtu.be/kYAR1uIwzu4?t=1545 (ANTP news from 25:45 – 28:35 mins)

1 TV

o https://youtu.be/2DPoa6_kJTE?t=3176 (ANTP news from 52:58 – 53:40 mins)

Khurshid TV:

o https://youtu.be/YtYrUP3uqdM?t=835 (ANTP news from 13:56 – 17:14 mins)

National TV (6PM News 13 October 2018)

o https://youtu.be/fgGUo_v4FGo?t=2084 (ANTP news from 34:40 – 36:33 mins)

https://www.facebook.com/MoCIAfghanistan/posts/2415000451873272?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDSbNACy3c2XLxWpsZBZRL5tYEVIbDDERHgk4VHDwXdcXtH1Kgok1fseCuniEN-q3M1naDoS3U2FeFYdGqFSLNbLOPAemMcI2qt0XIh1-jK0DIGrrDpfK1s6lBVkO4zJUrFx5_b0FLtn6x0TmyChPAGuzZQwIdrVShhsb-CgLQBCXH7-l7xUw&__tn__=-R






https://www.facebook.com/AfghanChamber/posts/2122569687787652?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDxrA_0nO8LRdmNBGAKUxUirs9WFyO9Mb0NWHlzvdnAefXDVV4e1IMjj1nKZ3E684zBTNp7MrSczQMxXgjpItsFKfYmkxe7kbcRsb7dBxB5Sj1QCqzF5fmeuA_n1ej_ieqezjPaT7ihowQ2PT4Aw24CJcBcxAuaxfabvSFJgFYbh7Z-5DknPA&__tn__=-R




http://acci.org.af/component/content/article/38-news/784-n.html

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10215204715689505&id=1181675566&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAb0CImxiKuQlwnkbfkCZf_cXKiafPnlEnvtfg3hakbmFsnzqyi10LNuvwQmkHpLTq8-b6xm1WEswCffcV5jN2dQUlKutO21bPavut9dXLLMEm_YK6HXR3EdH9T_sGRGrBIqQlwAjXO7LM0r_IEg1I8cMD5gww9fBKgWmpyFURgqqhhtJKOpFI&__tn__=-R





https://youtu.be/ltU9380-Dc4?t=978

https://www.tolonews.com/business/govt-discusses-trade-policy-private-sector

https://youtu.be/SlyVSvglM_E?t=1065

https://youtu.be/kYAR1uIwzu4?t=1545

https://youtu.be/2DPoa6_kJTE?t=3176

https://youtu.be/YtYrUP3uqdM?t=835

https://youtu.be/fgGUo_v4FGo?t=2084

149

Deed News Agency

o https://didpress.com/%D8%AF%D8%B3%D8%AA-

%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA-

%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%84%DB%8C%D9%87-%D8%A8%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%AF-

%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D9%BE%D8%A7%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%B3%DB%8C-

%D9%85%D9%84%DB%8C-%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B1/

The Daily Afghanistan Ma News Agency:

o http://www.dailyafghanistan.com/national_detail.php?post_id=145222

Azadi Radio:

o https://da.azadiradio.com/a/29541722.html?nocache=1

Arman News:

o http://www.armanemili.com/posts/14310

https://didpress.com/%D8%AF%D8%B3%D8%AA-%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA-%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%84%DB%8C%D9%87-%D8%A8%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D9%BE%D8%A7%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%B3%DB%8C-%D9%85%D9%84%DB%8C-%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B1/





http://www.dailyafghanistan.com/national_detail.php?post_id=145222

https://da.azadiradio.com/a/29541722.html?nocache=1

http://www.armanemili.com/posts/14310

THIRD PROJECT PROGRESS REPORT...2.1 Project Coordination and Management The second Project Steering...

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