According to an Afghan news agency India is all set to assist in developing the textile industry of Afghanistan as part of its reconstruction efforts aimed at rebuilding the Afghan economy. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed 7 January between the Ministry of Commerce and Industries of Afghanistan and Ministry of Textiles of India on expansion of business cooperation in the field of textiles and clothing. The MoU was signed by Afganistan’s acting minister of commerce and industries, Muzamil Shenwari, and Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan, Amar Sinha.

“Afghanistan has huge potential for development of textile industry since the country is endowed with very rich quality of cotton, silk and cashmere and this sector is a good source for jobs and employment,” the Indian Ambassador was quoted in the statement as saying.

A statement released by the Embassy of India in Kabul said, “As per MoU, both sides agreed to cooperate in developing closer economic relations and bilateral cooperation in the field of textiles, clothing, cotton, man-made fiber and handlooms.”

The statement further added that “India agreed to provide all the 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 organize joint trade missions for mutual collaboration.”

“Cotton can also be an alternate crop to move away from opium cultivation,” the Ambassador said, adding that the signing of this MoU on textile cooperation in the first week of the New Year is a good beginning and that continued engagement with Afghanistan’s economic development is a priority of the new Indian government.