Afghanistan's special offer to Indian companies, 5-year tax exemption on gold mining

News Topical, Digital Desk : Calling for investment in various sectors, Afghanistan's Industry and Commerce Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi on Monday said his government is ready to provide a five-year tax exemption to companies investing in new sectors, including gold mining in Afghanistan. Speaking at a discussion session organised by industry body Assocham, Azizi said tensions with Pakistan are hindering trade. "There are immense opportunities in Afghanistan. You won't find many competitors. You will also get duty assistance and we can also provide you land. A five-year tax exemption will be given to companies interested in investing in new sectors," the minister said.

Only one percent fee offered

Azizi said that Afghanistan would only levy a one percent duty if Indian companies import machinery for investment.
"Gold mining will definitely require technical and professional teams or professional companies," Azizi said. "So, we are requesting you to send your teams initially; they can do research, initial exploration, and then start work." "However, the condition is that we expect the processing to be done domestically so that employment can be generated," the minister said.

The urge to overcome small obstacles

Azizi urged the Indian side to remove "minor" obstacles to boost bilateral trade. "We want to strengthen relations between India and Afghanistan. There
are some minor obstacles that really affect the overall process like visas, air corridors, banking transactions. So these have to be resolved to improve bilateral trade and investment," he said in the presence of Indian government officials. The Afghan minister is on a six-day visit to India.

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