Afghan Commercial Attache Expected to Arrive in India Soon, Medical Visa Resumption Confirmed

Afghan Commerce Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi confirms the arrival of a commercial attache in India to enhance bilateral trade and the resumption of medical visas for Afghans.

A commercial attaché from Afghanistan is set to arrive in India within a month, according to Afghan Commerce and Industry Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi. During a press briefing at the Afghan Embassy, Azizi expressed Kabul's ambition to increase bilateral trade with India beyond USD 1 billion. He highlighted the mutual interest in private investment between the two nations.

Azizi mentioned that his visit included discussions on various issues such as visas for commerce and medical purposes, trade transit corridors, and the Chabahar port. He also proposed opening new trade routes with India through Iran, Pakistan, or other countries. Despite the closure of the Attari-Wagah border due to regional tensions, Azizi reaffirmed Afghanistan's commitment to enhancing trade ties with New Delhi.

Trade and Investment Opportunities

The Afghan minister announced that visa issues have been resolved, allowing businessmen to apply for visas at the Indian Embassy in Kabul. Medical visas will also resume, enabling Afghans to access healthcare in India. Before the Taliban took over in 2021, India was a preferred destination for Afghan patients seeking medical treatment.

Azizi revealed plans for a partnership in the private sector, suggesting that a unit of a prominent hospital group could be established in Afghanistan with staff from both countries. Although he did not provide further details on this initiative, it reflects Afghanistan's interest in strengthening ties with India.

During his visit, Azizi invited Indian businesses to invest in Afghanistan, promising a favourable environment for economic cooperation. He identified sectors such as mining, agriculture, health and pharmaceuticals, information technology, energy, and textiles as areas with significant business opportunities.

Commercial Attaché Appointment

In recent meetings with Indian officials including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada, Azizi discussed appointing dedicated commercial attachés in each other's capitals. This move aims to revitalise bilateral trade currently valued at over USD 1 billion.

Azizi's visit also included an interactive session organised by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). He highlighted that tensions with Pakistan are hindering trade but emphasised Afghanistan's vast potential for investment. The Afghan government is offering five-year tax breaks to companies investing in new sectors like gold mining.

Azizi stated that Afghanistan seeks to reduce non-tariff fees to the lowest possible level, aiming for zero. A decision was made during his visit to strengthen the joint chamber of commerce to support private sectors on both sides. This initiative is expected to foster greater economic collaboration between India and Afghanistan.

The Afghan minister reiterated his country's desire to boost bilateral trade with India significantly beyond USD 1 billion. He assured Indian businesses of tariff support and land availability for those interested in investing in new sectors. The five-year tax exemption is designed to attract companies willing to explore these opportunities.

Azizi's visit underscores Afghanistan's commitment to enhancing economic ties with India despite regional challenges. By addressing key issues such as visas and trade routes, both nations aim to strengthen their partnership and promote mutual growth in various sectors.

With inputs from PTI