Noida, July 10 (APAC Media): Afghanistan Agriculture MinisterH.E. Mawlawi Ataullah Omari on Friday urged Indian companies to expand investments in Afghanistan’s agriculture, irrigation, food processing, and technology sectors, highlighting the potential for stronger economic cooperation and long-term partnerships between the two countries.
The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) hosted the minister Ataullah-led delegation at PHD House, National Capital, for discussions on “India–Afghanistan Trade Opportunities” and ways to deepen bilateral economic ties.
The meeting focused on expanding bilateral trade, promoting investments, and strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries, particularly in agriculture and allied sectors.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Nasir Jamal, Director, PHDCCI, said India and Afghanistan share a longstanding relationship rooted in historical, cultural, and commercial linkages.
He highlighted the potential for greater collaboration in sectors including agriculture, food processing, dry fruits, saffron, medicinal and aromatic plants, livestock, warehousing, agricultural technology, and value-chain development.
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“India and Afghanistan share immense potential for collaboration across several sectors. India’s expertise in agricultural research, farm mechanization, food processing, cold-chain infrastructure, and capacity building can significantly contribute to Afghanistan’s agricultural development while creating opportunities for mutually beneficial trade and investment,” Jamal said.
He reaffirmed PHDCCI’s commitment to facilitating stronger business-to-business engagement and creating platforms for Indian and Afghan industries to explore new partnerships.
H.E. Mawlawi Ataullah Omari, Afghanistan’s minister of agriculture, irrigation, and livestock, thanked the government of India and PHD CCI for welcoming the Afghan delegation during his first visit to India. He underlined the historic ties between the two nations and called for enhanced cooperation in key areas related to agriculture and rural development.
“India and Afghanistan share a relationship built on centuries of friendship, trust, and a common cultural heritage. Nearly 80 percent of Afghanistan’s population depends on agriculture, irrigation, and livestock, making these sectors central to our economy,” Omari said.
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He invited greater participation from Indian companies in areas such as agricultural mechanization, certified seeds, food processing, cold-chain infrastructure, packaging, livestock development, irrigation, renewable energy, and technology transfer.
“Afghanistan welcomes greater participation from Indian companies in organic fertilizer production, agro-processing, and technology transfer. We are committed to facilitating investments and building long-term partnerships with Indian industry for the prosperity of both nations,” he added.
H.E. Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor, Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of Afghanistan, New Delhi, highlighted the deep-rooted civilizational and people-to-people connections between India and Afghanistan. He said recent diplomatic engagements had created new opportunities for expanding economic cooperation.
“Afghanistan offers significant opportunities for Indian businesses in sectors such as agriculture, water management, renewable energy, mining, infrastructure, and tourism. The country today provides a secure and investment-friendly environment for trade and long-term investments,” Noor said.
Mr. D. P. Goel, Co-Chair, MSME Committee, PHDCCI, highlighted the role of technology and innovation in strengthening agricultural cooperation. He pointed to opportunities in organic waste-to-manure conversion, precision farming, satellite mapping, and drone-based crop monitoring.
“India–Afghanistan cooperation in these emerging areas can help improve soil health, enhance agricultural productivity, reduce dependence on chemical inputs, and promote sustainable farming practices,” Goel said.
The session was attended by officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India; representatives from the Embassy of Afghanistan; members of the Afghan delegation; industry leaders; exporters; entrepreneurs; and trade experts.
Discussions covered market access, investment facilitation, technology transfer, and strengthening cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors, reflecting the shared interest of both countries in deepening economic ties.
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