Buy Local Build Afganistan

The information listed below is intended for journalists and researchers looking for a brief overview of Peace Dividend Trust (PDT), along with useful facts and figures to enrich articles and publications. All materials contained in this section may be used without attribution.

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History of PDT

In 2003, a group of entrepreneurs with backgrounds in government, corporate law, diplomacy, human resources, and business development founded PDT out of a desire to make UN peacekeeping missions more effective, efficient, and equitable. PDT's focus on local procurement can be traced back to a study of UN Peacekeeping Missions, which found that only 4 to 9 percent of the Missions' funds stayed in the local economy. Spending in the local economy consisted primarily of local procurement.

PDT launched its pilot project in Afghanistan in January 2006. PDT is a registered NGO in Afghanistan and has a local partner -- the Afghanistan Investment Support Agency. PDT works with two distinct groups - Buyers and Suppliers. Buyers are most frequently international firms and organizations, and PDT assists them with resource procurement using local businesses. PDT also helps local Suppliers build capacity, particularly relating to bidding and the procurement process. PDT had an initial goal of facilitating $5 million in contracts to Afghan businesses within the first year. We are proud to say that to date, we have facilitated over $240 million in contracts.

Quick Facts - About PDT

When was PDT created?

PDT was founded in 2003, and the Afghanistan marketplace project was launched in January 2006.

Who founded PDT?

A group of entrepreneurs with backgrounds in government, corporate law, diplomacy, human resources, and business development inspired to make UN peacekeeping missions more effective, efficient, and equitable.

Does PDT charge for its services?

No, PDT is a non-profit organization and provides its services free of charge.

What type of organization is PDT and where is it based?

PDT is an international non-profit organization based in Ottawa, Canada. In Afghanistan, PDT is also registered as a local non-governmental organization (NGO).

Where are PDT's field offices?

Currently, PDT has offices in Ottawa, Canada; New York, New York; London, England; Kabul, Afghanistan and Dili, Timor-Leste. More information about PDT projects in other countries can be found on the PDT site. Click here to visit the PDT website.

How many people work for PDT?

Information about PDT's staff can be found on the PDT site. Click here to go to visit the PDT website.

Who funds PDT?

PDT's Afghanistan project is primarily funded by the Canadian International Development Agency and the U.S. Agency for International Development. More information about PDT's donors can be found on the PDT site. Click here to visit the PDT website.

Who sits on PDT's Board of Directors?

This information is maintained on the PDT site. Click here to visit the PDT website.

Has PDT been successful in its mission?

Yes. To date, PDT has facilitated over $240 million to local businesses. Click here to read Buyer success stories. Click here to read Supplier success stories.

...About Local Procurement

What is the case for local procurement?

There are many reasons for organizations to buy local goods and services. We have listed a few below:

Cost Savings

• Reduces freight, transport costs
• Savings in the range of 30-60 percent

Economic Impact

• Generates employment and revenue for the private sector and government
• Promotes and increases skills and capacity of local businesses
• Justifies capital investments to build infrastructure
• Develops a sustainable market

Image & Branding

• Demonstrates social responsibility and awareness

Environmental Benefits

• Reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions

Building a Stronger Peace

• Contributes to sustainable development, prosperity, and long-term stability

What are the obstacles to local procurement?

There are challenges to local procurement on both sides. We have highlighted some common obstacles below:

Buyers

• Lack information on the local marketplace
• Lack trust in Afghan businesses
• Lack access to marketplace
• Lack policies to promote and support buying locally

Suppliers

• Lack best practices
• Have limited exposure to international markets
• Have difficulty accessing opportunities
• Lack capacity to bid
• Have insufficient access to finance

Peace Dividend Trust steps in to bridge Buyers and Suppliers. Our services are meant to tackle -- and overcome -- these challenges.