Kabul Economic Debate on Free Trade Held
The Afghanistan Economic and Legal Studies Organization (AELSO), in collaboration with Dawat University, organized the Kabul Economic Debate on the topic of “Free Trade and Its Impact on Economic Growth,” with the participation of professors, experts, researchers, students, and other interested attendees.
At the opening of the program, Dr. Aminullah Musaad, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Dawat University, delivered the keynote speech on “The Role of Free Trade in Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction.” He emphasized that, if properly managed, free trade can play a significant role in reducing poverty and promoting economic development.
During the main debate session, Ghulam Hazrat Nikpa, Dean of the Faculty of Economics at Dawat University, stated: “Free trade can contribute to economic growth only when domestic production infrastructure is strengthened and the country’s competitiveness is enhanced.”
Similarly, Dr. Ali Mohammad Mortazavi, an economic expert and university lecturer, noted: “Without active participation in global trade, Afghanistan’s economy will remain isolated; however, such engagement must be strategic and gradual.”
Throughout the debate, in addition to expert-level questions, at least ten participants were given the opportunity to share their views and raise questions, which contributed to the dynamism and intellectual richness of the program. In their closing remarks, the debaters emphasized that free trade is neither an absolute threat nor a guaranteed opportunity; rather, it is a tool whose impact depends on how it is utilized in shaping the country’s economic future.
Following the debate, Abdul Qaher Beheshti introduced the book “FREE TRADE AND HOW IT ENRICHES US” by Donald J. Boudreaux as a relevant and practical resource, and its electronic version was made available to interested participants.
Subsequently, Mohammad Hanif Farzan provided an overall evaluation and summary of the debate, stating: “Creating academic platforms for the exchange of ideas is one of the fundamental needs of our society on the path toward sustainable development.”
In the final part of the program, certificates of appreciation and books were awarded to the debaters. In addition, published books of the organization were presented to the leadership and faculty members of Dawat University, and certificates were distributed to participants. The program concluded with networking among participants and a group photo session.
