Afghanistan New Market Development

NMD AFGHANISTAN
NMD, a program launched by the Ministry of Commerce & Industries, with World Bank funding, allows small and medium size enterprises to access business services for product/market development, technological upgrading:

- Strategic Diagnostics, Business Planning, Business Upgrading Plans;
- Market research and market intelligence services;
- Introduction of quality management system;

- Management and technical training as well as language courses;
- Technical assistance aiming to strengthen marketing and sales;

Also

- Co-financing for legal and registration expenses, costs related to marketing campaigns/prospect ion/missions, product design and testing, certification cost (e.g. NMD is a pilot program operating in Kabul, Jalalabad, Mazar-e-Sharif, Herat. NMD targets:

- Private-owned existing businesses, as well as new ventures.
- Progressive small and medium size enterprises (no size thresholds apply!)
- Operating in Agro-industry, manufacturing (including artisans) and trad-able services (including tourism, education and health but excluding retail and wholesale, restaurants and activities detrimental to the environment). Representative Businesses Associations are equally eligible. GRANTS:

Businesses: NMD reimburse 50% of the costs of eligible business services. A firm may receive several grants up to a life-time maximum of US$100,000. Business Associations and Consortia of businesses: NMD reimburses 70% of the eligible costs up to a maximum US$150,000. An additional US$100,000 may be approved for the implementation of a second Business Plan to an association with successful completion of the first business plan.