Press Release

ASSOCHAM and Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment Sign MoU to Strengthen India-Afghanistan Business Relations

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote bilateral trade, investment, and business cooperation between India and Afghanistan during the visit of an Afghan business delegation led by Mr. Sayed Mohammad Karim Hashemi, Chairman, ACCI, to India.

The agreement marks a significant step towards strengthening institutional collaboration between the two apex industry bodies and creating a structured framework for facilitating trade, investment, entrepreneurship, innovation, and business-to-business engagement between the two countries.

Under the MoU, ASSOCHAM and ACCI will collaborate in areas such as information exchange, trade and investment facilitation, business matchmaking, delegation exchanges, joint conferences, exhibitions, sectoral interactions, and other initiatives aimed at fostering economic cooperation and strengthening private-sector partnerships. During the discussion, both country representatives agreed to focus on key focus areas such as Mining, Food Processing, Pharma and Healthcare.

Mr. Nirmal K. Minda, President, ASSOCHAM, said, "India and Afghanistan share longstanding economic and people-to-people ties. As industry bodies representing the interests of businesses in our respective countries, ASSOCHAM and ACCI have an important role to play in fostering greater economic engagement and commercial cooperation. This MoU reflects our shared commitment to creating new opportunities for businesses, promoting investment linkages, and supporting sustainable economic growth through stronger private-sector collaboration."

Mr. Sayed Mohammad Karim Hashemi, Chairman, ACCI, said, "Afghanistan and India have enjoyed a long history of economic cooperation. Through this partnership with ASSOCHAM, we seek to strengthen business-to-business connectivity, facilitate investment opportunities, and encourage collaboration across sectors that can contribute to economic development and prosperity for both countries."

The MoU will also facilitate the development of annual work plans, sector-specific initiatives, delegation exchanges, and collaborative programmes to support businesses in exploring new opportunities and strengthening bilateral economic ties.

The partnership underscores the commitment of both organisations to advancing regional economic cooperation, fostering business connectivity, and creating a conducive environment for trade and investment between India and Afghanistan.