August 30, 2018, MUMBAI: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Government of India, and the Government of Afghanistan announced the second annual “Passage to Prosperity: India-Afghanistan International Trade and Investment Show” today. The event will take place at the JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Hotel from September 12-15, 2018.

More than 600 representatives from Afghanistan, India and international businesses are expected to attend the trade show, featuring Afghanistan’s finest textiles, carpets, gems, and jewelry. In addition to product sales, the event provides an opportunity for businesses to develop partnerships, identify investment opportunities, and engage in business-to-business matchmaking in a range of sectors.

During the 2017 Passage to Prosperity event in New Delhi , Indian buyers and Afghan vendors signed over $27 million in contracts for raw and processed agricultural products, and a number of Indian buyers and Afghan vendors signed Memorandums of Understanding valued at nearly $214 million.

At the press launch for the Second Annual Passage to Prosperity event, U.S. Consul General Edgard Kagan remarked, “Kabul and New Delhi share trade ties that span generations. However, Mumbai is less familiar to Afghan businesses and vice versa. By bringing Passage to Prosperity to Mumbai this year, we hope to link Kabul to Mumbai and the rest of the world.”

Dr. Shaida Mohammad Abdali, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s Ambassador to India, remarked, “With USAID support, Afghanistan has been able to re-establish trade and export systems. Air cargo for Afghan exports is a speedy and cost-effective method in comparison to the road transport. By 2020, bilateral trade is expected to reach more than $2 billion between India and Afghanistan. Passage to Prosperity will help develop economic ties between Afghanistan and international markets, and further advance trade integration.”

Ms. Ramona El Hamzaoui, USAID/India Deputy Director, explained, “By creating meaningful partnerships, economic ties will be strengthened and employment opportunities will increase. The deals and connections that result from this trade show will have long-term impacts on both Afghanistan and India. USAID is proud to be able to play a small role in connecting the right people to make this a reality.”

For more information about the Passage to Prosperity: India-Afghanistan Trade and Investment Show and to register, please visit https://www.passage2prosperity.com.