India is thinking about establishing a free trade zone for Afghan goods in order to increase the export of Afghan products to other countries, the Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday.

Afghanistan’s exports will considerably increase if a free trade zone is created in India, the commerce ministry spokesman Musafir Qoqandi told TOLOnews.

“For sure, these zones will be built by India for Afghan exports in order to send our products to other parts of India and out of that country,” he said. “We welcome this move and it will be effective for the increase of Afghanistan’s exports.” 

Meanwhile, the International Chamber of Commerce stressed the need for such zones inside Afghanistan.

Abdul Qadir Bahman, CEO of the chamber, said they will send a draft plan to government in the near future.

“It is a good move. If India gives this chance to Afghan businessmen, they will be able to send their goods to other countries from India. But it will be better if these free zones are established in Afghanistan,” he told TOLOnews.

Experts say free zones provide more facilities for investors as they will not have to deal with taxes and customs issues if they use these zones.