In serving the private sector, the chamber looks back on a long history, which started 89 years ago. For the first time in 1931, Afghan traders established Commercial Arbitration Association to integrate their business activities and also defend their rights. Later on this organization was transformed into the chamber of commerce and industries to promote domestic production and trade in all provinces. In the beginning of the millennium the former state controlled chamber made a dynamic leap forward. The chamber law of 2009 ensured that the ACCI is an independent and democratic organization. This approach allows for close co-operation between the public and private sectors and enables the creation of a self-regulated business sector throughout the country.
Currently, the chamber represents over 90 % of the total Afghan work force. ACCI is headquartered in Kabul and operates 27 branch chambers in 25 provinces. Its current membership exceeds 65,000 companies and 255 business unions, association and cooperatives who represent a vast majority of the total Afghan workforce.
Today, ACCI is uniquely positioned to influence the pace of economic growth and reform. Strategically nestled at the nexus of public, investor, donor, academia, media, and foreign channels, the Chamber is facilitating the interests of the Afghan private sector to a diverse audience.
Through its business advocacy, the Chamber is seeking a balance between regulation and revenue. As a vehicle for promoting trade and investment, it is opening new markets for Afghan products, matching potential buyers with potential sellers, and advancing the investment narrative of the nation. From access to networks of global partners, the Chamber is acquiring valuable market information and international lobbying services on behalf of the Afghan business community.
Based on ACCI’s Bylaw, ACCI’s High Council the utmost decision maker within the chamber structure. Members of the High Council are comprised of the Board of Directors from provincial chambers. They are elected for three years terms through a free and fair election under supervision of the Independent Elections Commission (IEC). And then the High Council elects the Board of Directors as same term.
ACCI’s Board of Directors is responsible to set up and monitor implementation of policy framework of the Chamber and advice the government, parliament and relative entities on economic policy within the framework of the Market Economy System. Additionally, 25 sector committees advise the Board of Directors on specific issues to a given sector.
ACCI’s Executive Team comprises the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Deputy CEO for Policy, Deputy CEO for Administrative & Financial Affairs and 11 functional departments. Provincial chambers are governed by their respective boards and operated by senior managers and a team of clerical staff under supervision of the CEO.
The ACCI is on the firm belief that the improvement of the enabling environment for doing business is a shared concern of all stakeholders. ACCI provides the following services to its members:
