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Trade-Related Flows of People
Trade related flows of people are adequate but a series of improvements are needed to achieve international levels for ease of passage and to encourage international trade. Travel, however, and therefore trade-related flows of people to Afghanistan, is very limited at this time because the security environment remains volatile and unpredictable. Tourism (except so-called “extreme tourism”) is out of the question. The ability of Afghan authorities to maintain public safety and order while ensuring the security of citizens and visitors is limited. Even though the capital of Kabul is considered fairly safe, extreme caution is advised in the U.S. State Department’s and other foreign governments’ travel advisories.
Elsewhere in Afghanistan, a significant increase in attacks in the south and southwestern areas of the country has occurred and a seasonal surge in insurgent activity is expected. In particular, many sources predict more violence in the spring of 2007 when snowbound mountain passes reopen. Potential target areas include key national or international government establishments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and any location with expatriate personnel, as well as public areas popular with the expatriate community. Violence, and the threat of violence, is restricting trade development in many parts of the country, cutting off work opportunities for Afghans and those wishing to invest in Afghanistan.
Despite the effect these concerns of low trade-related people flow in Afghanistan, key infrastructure improvements have been made and more are planned. Over $8 billion in aid and investment from the international community has greatly improved Afghanistan’s prospects for the future and as needed stability is achieved will allow for larger numbers of cross border trade related travel.
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