India today announced opening of Integrated Check Post in Attari for exports from Afghanistan, thereby giving access to that country to entire Indian market.
"India provides duty free access to the Indian market for Afghanistan's export products under the Agreement of South Asia Free Trade Area (SAFTA).
"To give a fillip to Afghanistan's exports to India and to reduce the transaction costs for Afghani exporters, India offers to allow Afghan trucks (carrying their export products) to directly unload at its Integrated Check Post in Attari," Spokesperson in the External Affairs Ministry Syed Akbaruddin said.
According to sources, the decision will help the entire Indian market open up for Afghanistan exporters at almost zero duty. India allows exports at almost zero duty to least developed countries (LDCs) including Afghanistan.
