Launch of first Business Advice Center in Afghanistan

Kabul, October 21, 2004 – The Ministry of Commerce and United Nations Development Program "UNDP" will sign a memorandum of understanding to establish a network of Business Advice Centers "BAC" under the Partnerships for Private Sector Development Project.

Business Advice Centers will deliver a range of business education and development services to Afghan businesses to access finance and penetrate new markets and create international partnerships. The services to be delivered include assistance with:

  • Business plan writing, bank facility proposals and investment proposals

  • Business skills, marketing, distributions, accountancy, operational management, information technology and human resources management

  • Train the trainer courses to support a sustainable business support service in Afghanistan

The Business Advice Centers will operate on private sector principles and the objective is to become self-sustaining by the end of Partnership for Private Sector Development Project. The first BAC will be opened in Kabul, with consultancy capacity and training sessions in November 2004 and a full range of services will be available in April 2005.