Private Investment In Afghanistan Nearly Doubles

Mobile-telephone operator Areeba reportedly invested an initial $140 million into its 2006 launch (epa) January 18, 2007 -- Afghanistan's government-backed investment-promotion agency has said private investment to the country nearly doubled in 2006, compared to the previous year.

The Afghan Investment Support Agency (AISA) said it registered $1 billion worth of investment in the first seven months of 2006.

Lebanon-based mobile-phone company Areeba launched operations in July with an initial investment of $140 million.

Another major project came in the form of a $25 million bottling plant that opened in September.

(AFP)