“Afghanistan is the critical link and offers connectivity between South Asia and Central Asia. Trade and investment unites cultures, people and countries together. The importance of trade and investment is realized by each and every country in the world. WTC Kabul is committed to promote trade and investment between South Asia and Central Asia as it believes in promoting Peace and Prosperity in the region through commercial relations. We believe trade, investment, tourism, cultural and education linkages among countries in the South Asian region will normalize the political issues in the region,” Mr. Zabihullah Ziarmal, Chairman of the World Trade Center Kabul said at an interactive meeting with the senior management of the World Trade Center Mumbai.

Mr. Ziarmal further informed that the mission and vision of World Trade Centers Association, New York, is to promote Peace and Prosperity through Trade. If peace and prosperity prevails, trade and investment among India, Afghanistan and Iran will grow four fold and it will also strengthen economic integration with the CIS countries. India, Afghanistan and other Central Asian countries should come together to develop road, railways and air connectivity to deepen economic relations.”

Mr. Ziarmal pointed out that South Asia is rich in energy resources and he hopes the long awaited USD 10 billion TAPI natural gas pipeline project will see the light of the day soon. The project envisages transport of natural gas from Turkmenistan to India through a pipeline via Afghanistan and Pakistan.

In his address, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, WTC Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries pointed out, “Afghanistan can play a crucial role in India’s vision to attain USD 5 trillion GDP by 2028 and USD 40 trillion GDP by 2040. India’s trade with Afghanistan is hardly USD 997 million, which is far below potential. We can enhance trade and investment ties with Afghanistan through sea and air connectivity. Chabahar Port is a critical link to strengthen our trade with Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries.”

Dr. Kalantri further remarked that India is always a peace loving country and it wants to have a cordial relations with its neighbouring countries. India believes in strengthening economic integration with neighbouring countries, including countries in the CIS and Asia Pacific region.”

Dr. Kalantri suggested India, Iran and Afghanistan to invest in logistics, railway and air cargo facilities near Chabahar port as it can serve as a gateway to Central Asia and Europe. Indian exporters can reduce freight cost and transit time to reach Central Asia and European markets via Chabahar Port. For better utilization of this port, Indian exporters need berthing facilities for ships, better warehousing facilities, banking and insurance facility that is immune to US sanction and trade settlement in local currencies.

Earlier in his welcome address, Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, WTC Mumbai emphasized on the need for customs collaboration among South Asian countries to expedite EXIM cargo clearance from ports and airports.

Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, WTC Mumbai proposed vote of thanks.

The event was attended by members of the council of management of WTC Mumbai.

Mr. Zabihullah Ziarmal, Chairman of the World Trade Center Kabul (3rd from right) with Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, WTC Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries (2nd from right), Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, WTC Mumbai (right), Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, WTC Mumbai (2nd from left) and Ms. Aakruti Bagwe, Director - Operations, WTC Mumbai.