Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world, yet it is rich in resources and potential. The upcoming elections are an opportunity for Afghans to elect a government that is committed economic growth for all, and to replacing the current predatory regime where wealth accrues to a few corrupt cronies.
From energy and agriculture to mining and construction, the country possesses the resources for robust and sustained development for decades to come. With a regional co-operation framework, Afghanistan can become a strategic land-bridge for goods, services and oil pipelines between south Asia, central Asia, the Middle East and China.
In a semi-arid region, water is everything. Afghanistan produces 80bn cubic metres of water each year, but only taps 20bn for irrigation, drinking and hydropower. The Amu River, shared with central Asian neighbours, alone has the potential to produce 10,000 megawatts of electricity a year.
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