The World Bank projects 1.9% GDP growth for Afghanistan in 2016

Almaty. April 13. Silkroadnews – According to the forecast of the World Bank (WB), the economic growth in Afghanistan will make 1.9% in 2016 and 2.9% in 2017, Afghan news agency (AfTAG) reports.

The forecast published by the World Bank noted the continuing high level of uncertainty in the political and security situation of the republic, which has a detrimental impact on the business development. The country’s budget, as before, is heavily dependent on the international aid, and further development of the economy is closely related to the government’s ability to eliminate the security risks and attract private investment.

At the same time the South Asian region as a whole is considered as a stable and fast growing. The economic growth forecast here makes 7.1% in 2016 and 7.3% in 2017, respectively.

Within the recent years the Afghan government undertakes attempts to integrate Afghanistan into the regional economy and for this, in particular, searches for the access to the international markets for agricultural producers.
Experts, however, point out that it requires quite decisive measures to pull the Afghan economy out of its current heavy conditions.