RASC News Agency: A recent report by the United Nations Secretary-General reveals a reduction in Afghanistan’s trade deficit compared to the previous year, with the country becoming increasingly reliant on imports. The report highlights that Afghanistan’s imports have risen from $426 million to $682 million. Moreover, the quarterly report of the UN Secretary-General indicates that women entrepreneurs face “gender discrimination” in accessing markets.
The report addresses the trade deficit, negative inflation, and the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in accessing markets and financial resources, identifying these issues as key elements of the UN Secretary-General’s quarterly report. According to the report, Afghanistan’s imports have increased by 37 percent, while its exports have decreased by five percent compared to the previous year. Economic experts believe that the trade deficit signals a decline in economic growth, which could be detrimental to the country and its citizens.
Based on a survey conducted by the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme, the UN Secretary-General’s report states that 32 percent of women entrepreneurs face gender discrimination in accessing markets, and 28 percent encounter difficulties in obtaining loans. The report also notes that the Taliban’s restrictive policies not only violate human rights and fundamental freedoms but also adversely affect the livelihoods of Afghanistani citizens.
Many women and girls have reported significant economic hardship since the Taliban’s return to power and the imposition of restrictions on women’s employment. During a UN Security Council meeting, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that half of Afghanistan’s population lives in poverty, with one in four citizens uncertain about where their next meal will come from.
The United Nations identifies the Taliban’s restrictive policies as a major contributor to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
