A corps of journalists well informed about economics and trade issues is essential for accurate reporting and an open press. To improve the quality of business journalism in Afghanistan, USAID recently supported a workshop about reporting on critical trade issues for nine journalists. Media advisor Naomi Goldsmith worked with the Afghan journalists for five days, facilitating the workshop’s classroom and field activities, and mentoring the journalists’ work.
As part of the training, USAID’s Trade and Accession Facilitation for Afghanistan (TAFA) project arranged a trip to the Kabul Customs House, where participants observed trucks arriving from Pakistan, toured the warehouse where goods are inspected, and learned about the laboratory where goods are verified and the offices where the products are classified in a newly automated system. The journalists had the opportunity to speak to traders and Customs House staff about the challenges facing Afghanistan’s import and export activities, and how TAFA’s effort to address these issues will benefit the Afghan economy. At the end of the training, TAFA announced the establishment of a press club to raise interest and understanding of trade issues and reporting, thereby building on the knowledge and goodwill created during the workshop.