President Ashraf Ghani on Monday said at the official inauguration ceremony of the new air cargo route between Afghanistan and India that people who create problems for Afghanistan should know that the people take these issues and turn them into opportunities.
He also said not only will this new import/export route increase the income of farmers and traders in Afghanistan but it will create more employment opportunities, decrease poverty and deepen Afghanistan-India relations.
According to Ghani, India is the biggest market for Afghanistan’s agricultural products. He went on to say that it had been a joint effort between the two countries to get the air cargo route going.
“This corridor is very important. It is established to help the private sector, government and our specialists to work together and resolve the problems,” said Ghani.
Meanwhile, India’s ambassador to Kabul, Manpreet Vohra, also addressed guests at the ceremony and said India hopes this corridor will grow to one day become an air corridor network.
“My government support for this project was also readily forthcoming and I wish to assure you, your excellency, that we will continue to assist you in various ways as this corridor expands and grows into a network of cargo flights,” said Vohra.
The first cargo flight left Kabul on Monday carrying 60 tons of medicinal plants.
The Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) meanwhile said a joint-business center will be established in Delhi to increase the volume of trade between Afghanistan and India.
According to ACCI officials, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has also shown an interest in helping with logistics to transfer Afghan products from Indian airports to local markets.
“We have spoken with the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries to establish a big joint-business center. Afghan traders will also take part in establishing the business center and it will resolve the existing problems,” said Khan Jan Alokozay, ACCI’s deputy head.
The air cargo corridor was a key project agreed on by Afghanistan and India at last year’s Heart of Asia conference.