OREANDA-NEWS. July 30, 2012. There was a meeting of the CCI of Russia President Sergey Katyrin with Afghan delegation staying in the RF headed by Chairman of the Upper House of the Afghan Parliament (Mesherano Jirga) Fazal Hadi Muslimyar.

Welcoming the guests, Sergey Katyrin in particular noted that the CCI of RF consistently supports the development of trade and economic relations between the two countries, and is working in this area. It is one of the priorities both in foreign policy of Russia and the Chamber activities. Cooperation Agreement between the CCI of RF and CCI of Afghanistan was signed and is being implemented. Business Council for Cooperation with Afghanistan with the CCI of RF has been operating since 2007. It has become the first real mechanism for the development of trade and economic relations between Russia and Afghanistan, interaction between entrepreneurs of the two countries.

Afghan businessmen work in Russia, Russian entrepreneurs come to the Afghan market. Certainly, there are areas, for instance, power production, transport, in which state institutions must lend their shoulders to business, and assist it. Also, from time to time issues arise that require collaboration of not only business of the two states, but also of representatives of government structures. Regular exchange of opinions, Sergey Katyrin said, - is a prerequisite of the cooperation strengthening and expansion.

We look forward to seeing Russian investors in our country, said the Chairman of the Upper House of the Afghan Parliament Fazal Hadi Muslimyar, in return. Our businessmen successfully work in Russia, there are the Afghan Business Center and a representative office of the CCI of Afghanistan in Moscow. Russian entrepreneurs are known in Afghanistan. There are many facilities in Afghanistan that were built by the Soviet Union, and we welcome Russian engagement in their reconstruction, restoration and remodeling? the parliamentarian stressed.

In the course of opinions exchange, representative of the CCI of Russia President on Afghanistan, Director of the Center of Public Relations and Mass Media of the CCI of Russia Alexander Shkirando, and Executive Director of the independent non-profit organization “Business Council on Cooperation with Afghanistan” Renat Shigapov spoke at the meeting. In particular, they touched upon the need to strengthen information component of the cooperation. Reliable and exhaustive information about the areas and specific tasks that business could solve is required. Besides, this information would be useful for Russian development institutions, the assistance of which for business cooperation expansion could be substantial. Accurate data about the procedure for companies selection for tenders are needed. This will motivate companies for participation.  Topical issues of cooperation include upgrading of Kabul integrated house-building factory, reconstruction of the cement plant, reconstruction of the tunnel “Salang”, etc.

Other issues of mutual interest to the parties were raised in the course of the meeting.