KABUL - As many as 40 Afghan companies would showcase their products at a “Made in Afghanistan” event in New Delhi, India supported by USAID. The event would raise awareness of Afghan goods and foster business ties between Afghanistan and India, a statement from the USAID said on Tuesday.
As part of the event, the companies would display leading Afghan exports, including fresh fruit, dried fruit and nuts, marble and onyx, saffron, gemstones, and handicrafts, and meet with a number of Indian buyers to create business linkages.
India was the second largest importer of Afghan products (after Pakistan) and Afghanistan’s products, especially the country’s pomegranates, apricots, apples, grapes, raisins, and nuts, were sought after in India for their excellent quality.
“Afghanistan and India have always been exceptional trade partners,” said Afghanistan’s Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock Assadullah Zamir. “This event will help to further increase awareness of Afghanistan’s quality products among Indian buyers and create additional profitable business relationships between the two countries.”
“Made in Afghanistan” was result of the collaboration between USAID and its Indian and Afghan partners organized as a part of the “Heart of Asia - Istanbul Process” which encouraged cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbors in expanding regional trade.
Three USAID projects in Afghanistan – the Afghanistan Trade and Revenue Project, the Regional Agricultural Development Program-South, and the Commercial Horticulture and Agriculture Marketing Program – worked with UN Women and with their Afghan government counterparts to support the participation of Afghan traders in “Made in Afghanistan.”
The Federation of the Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industries and the Government of India provided their support by inviting Indian buyers to the event.(Pajhwok)