FICCI in association with Indian Embassy, Kabul, taskforce for business and stability operations (TFBSO), USA and Global Network, organized a road show on investment opportunities in Afghanistan' at Hotel Hyatt, Ahmedabad last day.

This event was organized under the aegis of the Trade Commerce and investment opportunities confidence building measure envisaged under the Heart of Asia Process for Afghanistan, for which FICCI has been designated as the implementing agency.

The event provided an excellent opportunity to Indian companies to get information on investment prospects in various sectors in Afghanistan as well as on the regulatory environment directly from government representatives and experts in the field. More than 50 companies including Adani Ports, Electro Therm, Dishman Pharma, Sheth Cements, Maniyar & Company, Rasna Industry and Swiss Pharma participated in the event.

FICCI has been proactively working towards promoting Indo-Afghan economic relations through its various programmes and initiatives. It are also working towards identifying and supporting innovative solutions being developed, tested and scaled in India, to better the quality of development in Afghanistan. FICCI has undertaken a range of activities including capacity building programmes, business-to-business meetings, road shows, and an international conference and exhibition on 'Doing Business with Afghanistan' to promote economic development not only in Afghanistan and but also in its neighbouring region.
 
As part of FICCI's continued endeavour to promote Indo-Afghan economic relations, FICCI is organizing an India Exhibition in Afghanistan, on August 20-22, 2014, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Government of India and Indian Embassy, Kabul.

Albert G Brossar and Preeth Gowdar from Taskforce for Business and Stability Operations (TFBSO), USA appraised the Indian business on the investment prospects in various sectors in Afghanistan as well as on the regulatory environment.

The briefing sessions covered construction materials, power generation, agribusiness, pharmaceuticals, marble, and mining, among others. The presentations were highly interactive and the event was followed by a networking dinner.

Around 25 one on one structured meetings between interested Indian businesses and FICCI, Indian Embassy, TFBSO, and Global Network officials were also organized on Apr. 16, 2014 to understand specific opportunities in more depth.

India and Afghanistan have a vibrant, multi-faceted relationship based on historical and cultural linkages. The strategic partnership agreement signed during President Karzai's visit to India in October 2011, has helped elevate the bilateral ties with regular summit meetings, expanding trade and commercial links, and institutional dialogues on multiple bilateral issues.

The total Indo-Afghan trade amounts to USD 632 million, with Indian exports to Afghanistan accounting for USD 473 million and imports accounting for USD 160 million.