Kabul, New Delhi discuss trade expansion, easing barriers — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) and the Indian Embassy in Kabul have discussed increasing exports, improving logistics facilities, removing trade barriers and easing visa procedures for traders. ACCI Director Sayed Karim Hashimi met with Indian Ambassador Yatin Patel in Kabul on Saturday, the chamber said in a statement. Hashimi stressed the need to expand trade and investment ties between Afghanistan and India, streamline trade procedures, remove administrative hurdles and strengthen private sector institutions. Referring to his recent visit to India, he called for continued economic cooperation in exporting Afghan agricultural products, handicrafts, minerals and other resources. He also proposed improving access to international markets, upgrading logistics infrastructure and facilitating business visas to help increase Afghanistan’s exports. Patel welcomed the proposals and reaffirmed India’s support for expanding cooperation in these areas. He said plans were underway to organise joint exhibitions, hold specialised meetings and exchange trade delegations between the two countries. ACCI said the meeting could help pave the way for long-term economic, trade and investment cooperation between Afghanistan and India.