Commerce and Industries Deputy Minister Muzamil Shinwari said at a press conference on Sunday that Afghanistan will soon gain membership to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

He added the membership would bring along many economic opportunities to the country, enhance investment in the country and solve some of the major transit issues of Afghanistan.

Afghanistan applied for membership in 2004. The country gained the status of a representative in the organization during that same year.

Though it can be said that Afghanistan joining WTO may make international investment smoother in the country, some experts say that it will not be useful for Afghanistan to bond with WTO until unless Afghanistan becomes a productive country.

Membership to WTO is not an easy task. Countries like India, Russia and Pakistan have been struggling for years to gain the membership.

However, it is said that the presence of natural resources in Afghanistan and the West’s eye on the country can make it easier for Afghanistan to be bonded with WTO.