New Delhi, India – U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan John R. Bass joined representatives of the Indian and Afghan governments and private sector in launching the third annual Passage to Prosperity: India-Afghanistan International Trade and Investment Show, September 24 – 26, 2019. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) sponsors the annual exhibition of premier Afghan products to stimulate India-Afghanistan trade and facilitate economic development in Afghanistan. The three-day event is open to businesspeople September 24 – 26 and the general public September 25 – 26.

The exhibition features fine carpets, exquisite embroidery, gems and jewelry, fruits, spices, pharmaceuticals, and more, showcasing the best that Afghanistan has to offer the export market. More than 100 Afghan businesses and more than1,000 Indian private sector representatives have registered to attend.

At the opening ceremony at the J.W. Marriott Hotel – Aerocity, Ambassador Bass noted that the trade show builds on the success of prior events.

“This year’s event is devoted entirely to developing closer relationships between the private sectors of Afghanistan and India,” Bass said. “The U.S. government is committed to supporting Passage to Prosperity because it not only benefits regional economic development, but also promotes private sector development and exports. These factors are key to realizing a larger goal – a stable, prosperous, and self-reliant Afghanistan,” he added.

Other dignitaries at the ribbon-cutting included Edgard Kagan, Chargé d'Affaires, U.S. Embassy, New Delhi; Tahir Qadiry, Chargé d'Affaires, Embassy of Afghanistan, India; and T.S. Tirumurti, Secretary, Economic Relations, Indian Ministry of External Relations.

The 2018 Passage to Prosperity event, held in Mumbai, yielded more than USD $71 million in signed contracts between Indian buyers and Afghan vendors.

With almost $19 billion spent on development programs in Afghanistan since 2002, USAID provides the largest bilateral civilian assistance program to Afghanistan. USAID partners with the Government and people of Afghanistan to ensure economic growth led by the country’s private sector, establish a democratic and capable state governed by the rule of law, and provide basic health and education services for all Afghans.

• Press Release - Third Annual Passage to Prosperity India-Afghanistan Trade Show Opens with USAID Support (Dari)
• Press Release - Third Annual Passage to Prosperity India-Afghanistan Trade Show Opens with USAID Support (Pashto)