Afghanistan today invited Indian businesses to invest in its agriculture sector, saying it offers great opportunities in the fields of manufacturing, processing, packaging and marketing of farm products.
Addressing a two-day conference and exhibition 'Made in Afghanistan', the country's Deputy Minister for Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Abdul Qadeer Jawad said that the country's farm production and exports are rising.
"Rebuilding trade relationships and expanding export markets for Afghan products are critical for Afghanistan job creation, capital flows and overall stability," Jawad said.
Stating that Afghanistan would formally become the 164th member of the WTO on July 29, Jawad said his government is committed to produce agri-products consistent with WTO norms.
Afghanistan is looking for potential investors in the areas of agriculture manufacturing and processing, packaging, trading and marketing, he added.
Jawad said the bilateral trade between India and Afghanistan stood at USD 684 million in 2014-15 and the same is expected to rise with improvement in transit system after the development of Chabahar port.
India's export to Afghanistan stood at USD 422 million while imports were to the tune of USD 262 million in 2014-15.
"We export dry fruits, fresh fruits and carpets among others to India," Jawad said, adding that Afghanistan's agri exports could rise by 10 per cent this year.
Top export destination for Afghanistan are Pakistan and India followed by China, Iran and Turkey, he said.
Speaking at the event, External Affairs Ministry Secretary (Economic Relations) Amar Sinha also asked Indian corporates to invest in Afghanistan despite security issues.
Sinha said there was a need to shift from aid to trade- based development in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan Ambassador to India Shaida Mohammad Abdali talked about strategic partnership between the two countries and help extended by India in rebuilding Afghanistan.
Terming Chabahar agreement as a game changer for the entire region, he asked investors to look for investment in this port project in southern Iran.
