Karzai invites Indian investments; assures security

New Delhi, Nov 19 (UNI) Assuring all security and assistance, President of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai has invited Indian businessmen to invest in Afghanistan, particularly in the power sector.

''Afghanistan is the best destination for the Indian business fraternity not only in investment and making money but also due to the cultural closeness between the two nations,'' President Karzai told reporters here yesterday.

Declining that the pro-Taliban powers are becoming dominant in the country, Mr Karzai promised the required security for those ''who are willing to foray into his country''.

He said Afghanistan's trade with India and the neighbouring countries, including China, has grown up to 2.5 billion dollars from 100 million dollars in last four and half years.

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

Afghanistan's exports are 50 million dollars presently, he said, adding that ''we have to find a way to reach the Indian market to increase these figures.'' The President showed interest in the power sector, as he specially invited the major power players to Afghanistan and fulfill its energy requirements, saying that ''government will certainly privatise the power generation in the country''.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh assured Mr Karzai all types of mutual cooperations as energy, agriculture, infrastructure and construction are among the best options for investments.

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