India hails Afghanistan's entry into WTO

Hailing Afghanistan's entry into the World Trade Organisation (WTO), India today said it will extend all assistance and support to the South Asian country.
"India's warmest congratulations to Afghanistan on the successful conclusion of the accession negotiations, a process that began in 2004... We look forward to work closely with Afghanistan in the WTO," Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia said.
Afghanistan today joined the WTO calling it "historic" membership to boost the war-torn nation's economy and build peace.
Afghanistan's membership came after formal approval by the WTO ministers in the Kenyan capital Nairobi.
"We realise that Afghanistan has taken wide ranging commitments as part of the accession negotiations. India stands ready to extend any assistance and support to Afghanistan in the post accession phase," Teaotia said.

She said that as a close neighbour and a fellow South Asian nation, India is delighted to welcome Afghanistan to the WTO.
After completing some formalities, the South Asian country would become the 164th member of the Geneva based multi-lateral organisation.
Yesterday, Liberia joined the WTO at a similar ceremony at the conference in Nairobi, which wraps up tomorrow.