Regional companies and commodity dealers may get the first glimpse of business opportunities in the rebuilding of Afghanistan when donor agencies meet in Islamabad Tuesday to chart a roadmap for recovery. Over two decades of war that began with the 1979 Soviet invasion and more recently a prolonged drought, have left some 70% of the country's 20-million population hungry and the economy in ruins.
Reconstruction demands are great - rebuilding everything from irrigation canals to electricity and telecommunications, roads, hospitals and schools. Even state institutions like the central bank, treasury, and customs, are weak, or nonexistent.
And that will involve a large peace dividend. Mark Malloch Brown, the head of the UN Development Program coordinating the UN's recovery drive, puts a baseline figure at $6.5 billion, the same amount of aid once pledged to destabilised Mozambique. Other unofficial estimates rise to $20-$25 billion.
UNDP officials organizing the three-day conference said no figures have yet been placed on sector-wise investment, but the need for food commodities, building material and equipment like pumps and generators has never been greater.

"Relief and recovery will work side-by-side," said Malloch Brown. "We want to get in with projects as early as possible."
This may allow regional construction, energy and commodities firms to begin operations inside Afghanistan. A steady supply of commodities like edible oils, wheat and sugar will play a key role in the recovery process along with the exploration of the country's dormant gas fields in the long-term.
Regional competition in rebuilding Afghanistan could be keen as countries like Pakistan, India, Russia and Iran look for geopolitical and economic toeholds. Afghanistan offers access to Central Asian markets and getting in first through the recovery program could bring significant economic advantages. Bureau Report