Tuesday 28 January 2014

Indo Afghan Innovation Partnership Fair

Indo Afghan Innovation Partnership Fair
Arnab Kr. Bhattacharya
The first ever India-Afghanistan Innovation Partnership Fair is organized in Q-Kabul Hotel from 4th to 5th December 2013 with collaboration from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and in coordination with the Indian Embassy in Afghanistan.
The event is organized by the Kabul Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) to promote the commercial links between the two neighboring countries, India and Afghanistan.
Representatives of dozens of regional businesses and assistance groups met in Kabul on 4th December, Wednesday, 2013 at an Indian-Afghan trade fair. More than 700 participants and guests attended the opening ceremony and visited the exhibition where 20 Indian and 25 Afghan participants showcased their innovations related to the products and services in Agriculture, clean energy, education, health and ICT.


The fair was tailored to bring Afghan individuals and organizations that are best positioned to forge innovative meaningful business-partnerships with Indian counterparts. EMPI’s AdCoMM was invited to participate in the fair and present the uniqueness of the institute, curriculum, various specialized subjects etc. Dr. D. J. Pati, Dean, AdCoMM participated in a talk show organized by National TV channel of Afghanistan on perspective of Indo Afghan relationship in promoting higher education.
The fair’s provided greater opportunities to NGOs and private sector organizations in Afghanistan to introduce cost effective solutions to improve the quality of life. Addressing the participants, Indian Ambassador to Kabul Mr. Amar Sinha said innovation needed a “curious mind” and needs no government intervention. USAID Afghanistan Mission Director, Mr. William Hammink considered innovation for Afghanistan’s economy as a key engine for growth and economic transformation. “India and Afghanistan are natural trading partners, and it makes great sense to support that relationship,” said Hammink.