President Karzai Addresses Students, Teachers at George Washington University 
 
President Karzai Addresses Students, Teachers at GWUOn September 26, President Karzai addressed students and teachers at George Washington University on the opportunities and challenges facing Afghanistan’s economic development.

The event was facilitated by George Washington University, the Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington DC, the US Ministry of Commerce, and the Afghan-American Chamber of Commerce.

Carlos Gutierrez, US Secretary of Commerce, hailed Afghanistan’s economic development in the past five years, and reiterated the US government’s long-term commitment to invest in the country’s economy.

President Karzai explained the challenges Afghanistan continues to face, naming terrorism and narcotics as the main contributors to hampering the country’s progress.

He spoke about creating a safe environment for investment in Afghanistan by issuing work permits, supporting investment, and providing opportunities for private companies to benefit from.

The President urged US companies to invest in the areas of cement production, oil extraction, and transportation in Afghanistan, saying:

“We know Afghanistan will never achieve prosperity with foreign aid; foreign aid is only effective in laying the foundation of economic institutions. Afghanistan can only become rich with trade and investment.  Therefore, I urge you to come to Afghanistan and invest as soon as possible to gain benefits.  Those who’ve come first have gained more benefit.”

The President concluded his address by answering questions from attendees.

Zahra Masoumi, an Afghan-American student at George Washington University, thanked President Karzai and said, “We have sent to Kandahar more than 100,000 books and have collected US $100,000 for reconstruction of schools in Afghanistan so far.”