India and Afghanistan reviewed measures to further facilitate bilateral trade and strengthen economic cooperation during a virtual meeting of the India-Afghanistan Joint Working Group (JWG) on Trade, Commerce and Investment, said the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
The meeting was held on September 1 and was attended by officials from both countries, including representatives from commerce, industry, customs, regulatory authorities and diplomatic missions.
The two sides discussed a range of issues concerning bilateral trade and economic engagement, with focus on removing trade-related bottlenecks and strengthening commercial ties.
Key issues discussed included trade facilitation and customs cooperation, visa facilitation for Afghan traders, banking and financial cooperation, pharmaceutical and agricultural trade, energy cooperation, investment and trade promotion, tariff concessions, cargo connectivity and port-related matters.
India and Afghanistan agreed to strengthen institutional cooperation and undertake follow-up measures in several identified areas.
These include enhanced customs and data-sharing cooperation, greater regulatory coordination in pharmaceuticals and agriculture, improved trade connectivity, and promotion of investment and business-to-business engagement.
The meeting was held in a warm and constructive atmosphere, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade, commerce and investment ties.
The two countries also agreed to maintain continued engagement and follow up on the issues discussed during the meeting.
