UNAMA: New round of Doha working groups in Kabul focused on supporting private sector

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) stated that a new round of working group meetings was held in Kabul, focusing on support for the private sector and alternative livelihoods to replace opium poppy cultivation.

UNAMA reported on Tuesday, 21 Dalu, that representatives from UN member countries and Taliban representatives attended the meetings. The Counter-Narcotics Working Group discussed efforts by Taliban authorities and the international community to provide alternative livelihoods for Afghans previously dependent on poppy cultivation and the illegal opium trade, as well as prevention and treatment of drug use, and enforcement measures against drug production and trafficking.

The Private Sector Working Group addressed initiatives to support job creation and entrepreneurship, particularly women's participation in the private sector, market integration, access to financial resources, and banking and financial infrastructure for the private sector.

Both working groups emphasized finding ways to engage with the Taliban, according to the UNAMA report. These meetings serve as a follow-up to the third meeting of special representatives held in June and July 2024 in Doha, Qatar.

The Taliban had previously confirmed the holding of these meetings in Kabul and reiterated their support for the private sector and alternative livelihoods to opium cultivation.