Problems of ground transportation companies in the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment
Ground transportation companies in Afghanistan, which play a key role in the country’s economy, are facing serious challenges. These problems have been raised many times in the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment and require immediate attention and actions. Some of the most important problems are:
- Insecurity on the roads
Theft and banditry: insecurity on land routes, especially on long roads, leads to financial losses and life threatening for drivers and companies.
Extortion by illegal armed groups: Irresponsible groups illegally collect money from transport vehicles on the routes.
- Weak infrastructure
Deterioration of roads: Many of the country’s roads are substandard, which leads to delays in the transportation of goods and increases vehicle maintenance costs.
Lack of equipped terminals: companies do not have access to suitable and modern terminals for loading and unloading goods.
- Legal and administrative problems
Complicated bureaucracy: long and complicated administrative processes in customs and government offices cause delays in the transfer of goods.
Lack of protective laws: Transport companies do not have enough legal protection, which has increased violations and irregularities in this sector.
- Heavy taxes and tariffs
Increased taxes: Companies complain about high taxes and tariffs that increase their costs without providing better services.
Lack of transparency in the collection of tolls: unofficial amounts and bribery impose additional costs on companies in some cases.
- Old equipment and technology
Obsolete vehicles: Many trucks and transport vehicles are old and inefficient, and their operating costs are high.
Lack of modern management systems: Companies do not have enough access to technologies such as GPS and tracking systems, which makes efficient management difficult.
- Unhealthy competition and economic problems
Activity of illegal companies: Unlicensed companies unfairly distort the market by offering cheaper services.
Sanctions and economic isolation: International restrictions have made the transfer of export and import goods more difficult.
- Changes in government policies and problems
Lack of long-term policy: lack of clear planning and instability of government policies have created uncertainty for investors.
Lack of coordination between institutions: Lack of coordination between government departments, customs and private companies has added to operational challenges.
Solutions proposed by the Chamber of Commerce and Investment
- Improving road safety: establishing security stops and strengthening surveillance to reduce road threats.
- Investment in infrastructure: reconstruction of roads and creation of modern terminals at key points.
- Facilitating laws and reducing bureaucracy: Simplifying administrative processes and providing clear supporting laws.
- Financial support: providing financial facilities and low-interest loans for the renovation of vehicles and equipment.
- Promoting technology: equipping companies with modern transportation management and tracking systems.
With the cooperation of the government and international organizations, the Chamber of Commerce and Investment can gradually reduce these problems and provide the ground for improving the ground transportation situation.