New Delhi has called for expanding bilateral economic cooperation with Afghanistan in the fields of mining, agro processing, iron ore and textiles. In an interaction with a 12- member delegation of Afghan Parliamentarians in New Delhi today, Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar said there is immense potential to promote trade and economic activity between the two countries in a number of areas. He said India is actively involved in small and community based development projects including education and health apart from reconstruction and rehabilitation process in that country.

Mr Khullar said that to encourage exports from Afghanistan, India last year announced a scheme for least developed countries of the SAARC by allowing duty free access to goods in the Indian market. He, however, said the growth in exports from Afghanistan was slow for the last few years. He asked Afghanistan to create employment opportunities for its people by developing small and medium business enterprises.

On his turn, spokesperson of the Parliamentary delegation Mohammad Noor Akbari sought support from India in civil aviation, transport, insurance, loan policy and capacity building in agriculture and health. He urged New Delhi to provide scholarships to Afghan students pursuing medical and engineering courses in India. Mr Akbari assured of complete security to Indian doctors, traders and businessmen working in Afghanistan.