Virtual joint working group meeting discusses customs cooperation, banking, visas, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and cargo connectivity…reports Asian Lite News Desk
India and Afghanistan have reviewed their bilateral trade and economic relationship, discussing a range of measures aimed at easing commerce and strengthening investment and business ties between the two countries.
The discussions took place during a virtual meeting of the India-Afghanistan Joint Working Group on Trade, Commerce and Investment, with officials from both sides reaffirming their commitment to expanding economic engagement.
According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the talks covered key areas including trade facilitation, customs cooperation, visa arrangements for Afghan traders and banking and financial cooperation.
Both countries also discussed ways to boost trade in pharmaceuticals and agricultural products, while exploring opportunities for cooperation in energy, investment promotion and business-to-business engagement.
Cargo connectivity and port-related issues were also on the agenda, along with discussions on tariff concessions that could help facilitate the movement of goods between the two countries.
The two sides agreed to strengthen institutional mechanisms and pursue follow-up action in areas identified during the meeting, the ministry said.
Among the measures discussed were enhanced customs cooperation and data sharing, greater regulatory coordination in the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors, improved trade connectivity and stronger efforts to promote investment.
Officials representing commerce, industry, customs and regulatory authorities, as well as diplomatic missions from both countries, participated in the virtual meeting.
The engagement comes as New Delhi continues to maintain economic and humanitarian links with Afghanistan despite the political changes in Kabul since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
India and Afghanistan have traditionally shared close commercial ties, with India emerging as an important market for Afghan agricultural products, while pharmaceuticals and other manufactured goods form a significant part of Indian exports to Afghanistan.
Both sides agreed to maintain continued engagement and follow up on the issues discussed, signalling an effort to further develop trade, commerce and investment cooperation.
Separately, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held meetings with several world leaders on the sidelines of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Asheville, where discussions focused on the global economic outlook and India’s evolving growth trajectory.
During a meeting with European Commission Commissioner for Economy and Financial Affairs Valdis Dombrovskis, Sitharaman discussed ways to deepen the India-European Union Economic and Financial Partnership.
The discussions included strengthening cooperation through the India-EU macroeconomic dialogue and the Trade and Technology Council, according to officials.
