India is the first and best friend of Afghanistan: Karzai

From encouraging Indian businessmen to promoting business empowerment in Afghanistan, His Excellency Hamid Karzai, president of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan spoke at length on the availability of Afghanistan as a blossoming business country for entrepreneurs at the Joint Business Interaction organised by FICCI, ASSOCHAM and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on Saturday. 

“There is a lot of greed for money in Afghanistan business. They will do anything to help and be with you. Instead of focusing on what is available in Afghanistan I would like to tell you that you people are being too slow and cautious in taking up opportunities. You don’t need to take bold steps, just take a step and benefit from what we are offering you,” he said. 

Karzai made another important point on how the Indian media relies on the Western media to disseminate news. “You should have your own media coverage deputed in Afghanistan to understand first-hand news instead of following it up from the West,” he added, while stating that as per a survey India was termed the first and best friend of Afghanistan. 

He shared that very little has been coming out of Afghanistan despite massive movement of capital and goods. “There is an opportunity in every field here. Also, if other countries come in before you, then there is no room to complain,” said Karzai, while sharing an example on how a telecom company in Afghanistan that started out with an investment of 5 million dollars is in talks to be bought for 400 million dollars.