NEW DELHI - Indian industry, asked to go into violence-ridden Afghanistan, has pitched for a free-trade agreement between India and Afghanistan.
Government on Thursday made a strong pitch for investment by India's private sector in Afghanistan as it sought to sell the country as a major investment destination to the world. Addressing a meet of potential investors from 40 countries, foreign minister S M Krishna called upon companies to contribute "to the security , stability and prosperity of Afghanistan and the region particularly as NATO forces draw down from a combat to a train, advise and assist role".

"We need to offer a narrative of opportunity to counter the anxiety of withdrawal, uncertainty, instability and foreign interference," Krishna said at the meet organized by CII. Pakistan participated too, with its private companies having B2B meetings with their Afghan counterparts. "Investments can provide that hope for employment, training and opportunity for the future.

We encourage our industries to venture into Afghanistan in numbers together with Afghan partners. Let the grey suits of businessmen take the place of the olive green fatigues of soldiers and generals in Afghanistan," he added.
(Agencies)