India-Afghanistan trade show to be held in September at Mumbai

By

Maverick Martins

Published
Aug 31, 2018

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in collaboration with the governments of India and Afghanistan will organise the second edition of the India-Afghanistan trade show in September in the city of Mumbai.

The four-day event will be held from September 12-15 in Mumbai and will see participation by over 600 businesses from Afghanistan's textiles, carpets, gems and jewellery sectors.
 
During the first edition of the Passage to Prosperity: India-Afghanistan Trade and Investment Show in New Delhi more $27 million in contracts were signed between Indian buyers and Afghan vendors.

Additionally, the two countries signed MOUs valued at nearly $214 million and more than $10 million worth of carpets, gemstones, jewelry products were sold during the event.
 
"Kabul and New Delhi share trade ties that span generations. However, Mumbai is less familiar to Afghan businesses and vice versa. By bringing 'Passage to Prosperity' to Mumbai this year, we hope to link Kabul to Mumbai and the rest of the world," US Consul General in Mumbai Edgard Kagan said in a statement.
 
Afghanistan's Ambassador to India, Shaida Mohammad Abdali, added, "Air cargo for Afghan exports is speedy and cost-effective compared with road transport. By 2020, the India-Afghanistan trade is expected to touch more than $2 billion and 'Passage to Prosperity' will further advance trade integration," Abdali added.
 
The USAID-sponsored Passage to Prosperity is an annual event that aims to advance regional integration by strengthening economic and trade ties between Afghanistan and international markets.