India and Afghanistan Strengthen Economic Ties: Ministers Commit to Billion-Dollar Trade Target

Union Minister Piyush Goyal met with Afghanistan's Industry and Commerce Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi on Monday to explore avenues for strengthening economic ties and expanding trade relations between the two countries.

Piyush Goyal shared the meeting details on his X platform, stating, "Met Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, Afghan Minister of Industry and Commerce, today."

The Union Minister emphasized that their discussions centered on their mutual commitment to advancing economic cooperation and facilitating smoother movement of goods and investments between India and Afghanistan. He noted that both nations reaffirmed their resolve to deepen the mutually beneficial partnership and strengthen people-to-people connections.

The Afghan Minister was visiting India for five days, during which he also engaged with officials from the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).

In his meeting with ASSOCHAM, Azizi highlighted that the purpose of his visit was to "enhance the bilateral economic cooperation and the historical relations with India," while expressing a desire to further improve ties between the two nations.

During a press conference, the Afghan Minister revealed that Kabul aims to significantly expand its economic engagement with India and develop new trade routes. He expressed "immense pleasure" in witnessing the renewed close collaboration between India and Afghanistan, acknowledging the historical relationship that binds the two countries.

"It's not only in trade, but also we have a very good political relationship with them. Now we are exploring the politics, trade, and investment," Azizi stated. He mentioned that both countries' foreign ministries had facilitated the visit, and Kabul was exploring opportunities in various sectors including mining, agriculture, health, and investments.

The minister shared their ambitious goal of increasing bilateral trade to nearly one billion dollars, supported by strong interest from the private sector. He noted, "The potential and resources exist in both countries, and the intention is also there. Our private sector wants to work effectively with this program and this agreement."

Azizi also reported that several challenges, including visa issues and air corridor costs, were addressed during the visit and "have been resolved." He expressed confidence that these resolutions would help trade, investment, and transit "flourish" in the coming months.