Afghanistan government has said it is close to reaching a trade transit deal with Pakistan that would allow Afghan products to be exported to India. Agriculture Minister Mohammad Asif Rahimi expressed optimism that the long-delayed deal could be signed in time for an international conference in Kabul on July 20, but added this would be the first phase of a new arrangement with the option to negotiate more later. The transit deal was to be signed by December last year but was delayed following apprehensions on Pakistani side regarding Afghan trade with India. The deal will allow Afghan goods to be exported and Indian goods to be imported through Wagah border. The trade pact would help Afghan farmers move goods to market in India more easily, which has been a challenge as officials try to entice farmers away from growing poppy crops whose proceeds fuel the Taliban insurgency.