Afghanistan’s authorities are working hard to persuade investors the rewards are worth the risk by introducing economic and legal reforms.

Afghanistan's minister of industries and commerce outlines government efforts to make the country more conducive to business.

Selling Afghanistan to foreign investors remains a difficult task, and FDI into the country is low. Despite this, officials claim that there is cause for optimism. 

Ajmal Ahmady, senior economic advisor to the president of Afghanistan, tells Mariam Meskin the importance of foreign investment and trade for national reforms. 

As the Bayat Group of Companies launches an energy arm in Afghanistan, CEO Ehsanollah Bayat tells Natasha Turak how he hopes that by showcasing the opportunities in the country, other investors will follow its lead to help grow the economy. 

Vast reserves of precious metals and oil make Afghanistan an attractive proposition for investors bold enough to risk the country's security threats, poor infrastructure and widespread corruption.

Afghanistan's minister of mines, Wahidullah Shahrani, tells fDithat by exploiting its mineral resources, the country can end its dependence on aid and banish security concerns about doing business there.

Across central Asia, from China to Kazakhstan, economies are set to benefit from the re-opening of trade routes along the historic Silk Road. Significant investment has already been made to improve the infrastructure along the route, but further investment, more cohesion between the central Asian countries involved and more politically stability in the region as a whole is needed if this great passageway between Asia and Europe is to return to its former glory.