Afghanistan’s Commerce Minister Alhaj Nooruddin said New Delhi and Kabul had moved significantly closer to reviving and expanding bilateral trade, with both sides resolving visa and connectivity issues that had been holding back business ties.
He said the two countries were now working with “a sense of pride”, aiming to push trade beyond the current USD 1 billion level.
CONNECTIVITY ISSUES IRONED OUT
Nooruddin said the problems relating to visas and direct flights had been addressed, clearing the way for smoother movement of traders and travellers. Discussions on the Chabahar link, along with land routes and the air corridor, were progressing, he added.
The minister said both countries had agreed to activate the joint working group on trade, with each side set to post a commercial attach in the other’s capital. “We hope to have this in place within a month,” he said.
JOINT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, TARIFF CUTS PLANNED
In a bid to widen business engagement, India and Afghanistan will establish a joint chamber of commerce, and tariffs will be mutually reduced to support trade expansion. Trade fairs will be organised every year to give industry direct access to markets on both sides.
In a significant move for Afghan exporters, the FSSAI fee on Afghan food items will drop to zero, easing entry for agricultural and processed goods into India.
BOOST FOR MEDICAL ACCESS, BANK COORDINATION
India will issue more visas for Afghan nationals seeking medical treatment. Nooruddin said Afghanistan had invited a major Indian hospital chain to open a branch in the country, with India set to send technicians and experts as part of the cooperation.
On financial matters, he said there were “some minor issues” in the banking sector, but banks from both countries would stay in touch and take cooperation forward.
‘AFGHANISTAN IS A LAND OF OPPORTUNITY’
Calling Afghanistan “a land of opportunity for business”, Nooruddin urged Indian private companies to consider investments and B2B collaborations. He said foreign firms were already operating in Afghanistan and working safely, adding that recent visits by Indian companies reflected confidence in the security situation.
He emphasised that Kabul welcomed the Indian private sector and was ready to facilitate new ventures across sectors as the two nations push to rebuild economic links.
– Ends
