U.S. Supports “Passage to Prosperity: India-Afghanistan International Trade and Investment Show” Opening in Mumbai

by Shrutee K/DNS

Mumbai – September 12, 2018 The second annual four-day “Passage to Prosperity: India-Afghanistan International Trade and Investment Show” opened today in Mumbai, India. Sponsored by the United States government through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) the international forum is designed to showcase Afghan business and investment opportunities and bolster trade.

This year there are more than 2,000 Afghan, Indian, U.S. and other international registered participants in the show, including more than 200 Afghan businesses, 1,200 Indian business leaders, and 100 international firms. The show showcases the best of Afghan products, services, and business opportunities in luxury goods, agriculture, energy, health, education, mining and heavy industry, and more. The show features panel discussions on doing business in Afghanistan’s trade sectors, exhibition booths showcasing and promoting Afghan businesses and products, and “match matching” opportunities designed to bring together Afghan, Indian, and international businesses forging trade agreements at the event.   

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to India MaryKay Carlson said, "Strong commercial partnerships contribute to increased employment in each country.  They expand trade and create more investment opportunities.  The Governments of Afghanistan and India are committed to deepening their relationship and increasing economic trade and investment.  The U.S. Administration appreciates India's important contributions to stability in Afghanistan, especially in the area of economic assistance and development.  This event helps fulfill commitments our leaders made to the citizens of all three countries. We look forward to the strengthening of the centuries-old ties and cooperative relationships between India and Afghanistan."

Other prominent speakers include Afghan government Chief Executive Officer Dr. Abdulllah Abdullah, Mr. Subhash Desai, Cabinet Minister of Industries, Maharashtra, Dr. Mohammad Humayon Qayoumi, Afghanistan’s Acting Minister of Finance, Ismail Ghazanfar, chairman and CEO of Ghazanfar Group and Praveer Sinha, CEO and Managing Director of India’s Tata Power. A number of other Afghan and Indian government officials and business leaders are scheduled to participate in panel discussions.

Opening day panels are focused on the theme of doing business in Afghanistan, by featuring international business leaders that have successfully invested in Afghanistan. Opening day activities will also include a cultural presentation, “Afghan Treasures,” that highlights the best of Afghanistan’s Silk Road heritage.

For more information about the “Passage to Prosperity: India-Afghanistan Trade and Investment Show”, please visit https://www.passage2prosperity.com/.

About Passage to Prosperity: Passage to Prosperity is an international India-Afghanistan trade and investment event sponsored by the United States government through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in cooperation with the Government of India and the Government of Afghanistan. This second annual event serves as a platform for Afghanistan to showcase products, services, and investment opportunities to Indian, regional, and international businesses. This event offers a unique opportunity for international businesses to connect directly with Afghanistan’s private sector and lays the foundation to develop stronger economies, generate employment opportunities, and build deeper economic bonds between participating countries.

About USAID: USAID is the U.S. government’s premier international development agency. USAID's work advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity through strategies for self-reliance and resilience.