The Government of India has agreed to provide all necessary assistance for developing the textile industry in Afghanistan, as per a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the two nations.
The MoU was signed by Mazamil Sehnwari, acting minister of commerce and industries, Government of Afghanistan, and Amar Sinha, Indian ambassador to Afghanistan, on behalf of the Indian ministry of textiles, Afghan news agency Khaama Press reported.
As per the MoU, both countries agreed to cooperate in developing closer economic relations and strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of textiles, clothing, cotton, man-made fibre and handlooms.
“India agreed to provide all necessary assistance to develop Afghan textile industry and assist in skill development, research and development, technical collaboration in product development and manufacturing, testing and certification and organise joint trade missions for mutual collaboration,” said a statement from Embassy of India in Kabul.
Afghanistan is endowed with very rich quality of cotton, silk and cashmere, and hence it has huge potential for development of the textile industry, which is a good source for jobs and employment, said Amar Sinha.
The revival of the textile industry is important for economic development of Afghanistan and cotton can be one of the alternate crops to move away from opium cultivation, he added.
India is one of the leading donors to Afghanistan and has contributed more than US$ 2 billion for several reconstruction projects across the country following the fall of Taliban regime in 2001. (RKS)
