Guwahati: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is to be signed between Assam and Afghanistan, India’s strategic ally and neighbour in Central Asia.
This fact was revealed by Shaida Mohammad Abdali, the Ambassador to the Afghan Embassy in India.
Abdali made this statement while adderessing the Assam-Afghan Business Session at the ongoing Assam International Trade and Industrial Fair (AITIF) at Jorhat in eastern Assam on Friday, a release said here.
He stated that the Afghan government is planning a tea research project with the Kaziranga University and this project can result in a wide collaboration over the tea trade between Assam and Afghanistan.
He said India has a special place in the hearts of the Afghan people but there are only about 100 Indian companies there so far. He expressed hope that the number would increase as a strong foundation for future partnership is being laid through such business meets as the AITIF.
He said there are 42 countries which are helping Afghnistan in her rebuilding process and India is on the top position among them.
Sayed Mujtaba Ahmadi, the Economic Counsellor to the Afghanistan Embassy in India, speaking on the occasion said India and Afghanistan do not just share a conventional trade relationship between each other but pointed out that Afghanistan is India’s doorway for economic gains in Central Asia.
He emphasised that the increased relations between the countries would act as a bridge between South Asia and Central Asia.
He also talked of a proposed power plant in Afghanistan with Indian assistance.
Swapnanil Baruah, the Commissioner of Industries and Commerce for the Assam state government and Ranjit Barthakur, Chairman of the North Eastern Advisory Council for the FICCI, spoke of the greater potential of Assam in playing a role in Afghanistan’s rebuilding. (UNI)
