Come, take and grab the opportunity: Karzai

New Delhi, Nov 19: Assuring all security and assistance to the Indian businessmen, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai today urged them to invest in Afghanistan.

''Afghanistan is the best destination for the Indian business fraternity not only in investment and making money but also the people of Afghanistan know you,'' President Karzai told reporters here.

Assuring the Indian businessmen with all kinds of security, and declining the rumours that pro-Taliban becoming dominant in the country, Mr Karzai said there is really a good opportunity for the investors to make money in Afghanistan.

He said the trade between Afghanistan and the region, including China and India has grown upto 2.5 billion dollars from 100 billion dollars in just a short span of four and half year time.

''Our trade with India is currently of 200 million dollars, which I expect will rise tremendously,'' Mr Karzai said.

Afghanistan's export size is 50 million dollars presently, he said, adding that ''We have to find a way to reach the Indian market.'' The President seemed to be more interested in the power sector, as he specially invited the major power players to Afghanistan and fulfil its power requirements, saying that the ''environment is good right now''.

He, however, said the Afghan government will certainly privatise the power generation.

Calling Afghanistan the golden opportunity for the Indian businessmen, Mr Karzai said ''come, take the opportunity and help the country become strong in infrastructure.

Earlier today, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh assured him to all types of mutual cooperations, as energy, agriculture, infrastructure and construction are among the best options to invest.

UNI