CII Amritsar Zone forms Indo-Afghan Business Commission to boost trade

In response to the growing opportunities following the normalisation of relations between Afghanistan and India, the CII Amritsar Zone has established an Indo-Afghan Business Commission (I-ABC). The commission will be led by Gunbir Singh, Founder Chairman of the CII Amritsar Zone.

This initiative aims to strengthen business ties between Amritsar, Punjab and Afghanistan, particularly as the Taliban government has expressed interest in reinstating the traditional trade route between Amritsar and Kabul, including cargo flights.

Recently, Afghanistan’s Minister for Commerce and Industry, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, highlighted the Afghan government’s intent to expand bilateral trade, investment and diplomatic relations with India, despite ongoing tensions with Pakistan and the temporary shutdown of trade routes.

The move presents significant opportunities for Amritsar and Punjab, which have historically been key trading partners of Afghanistan. “Amritsar has been a traditional trading hub for Central Asian countries, especially Afghanistan. We must capitalise on this opportunity to expand imports and enhance Amritsar and Punjab’s role in international trade,” said Davinder Singh, Chairman of CII Amritsar Zone. He emphasised that while the opportunity is promising, challenges such as flight operations and a streamlined airport/customs process require state and central government support.

Areas of interest for Indian trade with Afghanistan, as outlined by Afghan Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, include textiles, IT, health & pharma, energy, agriculture and mining, particularly gold. To incentivize industry, the Afghan government has announced a five-year tax holiday for businesses generating jobs in Afghanistan.

Gunbir Singh, convener of the new commission, stated, “Trade with Kabul presents a billion-dollar opportunity right from the start. With the necessary infrastructure improvements at the Sri Guru Ram Das International Airport, along with support from industry and government, the economic benefits are clear.”

The Indo-Afghan Business Commission will consist of traders, international relations experts, and key stakeholders. Its primary focus will be to develop trade infrastructure, improve cargo facilities, and resolve related issues at both the state and central levels.