On the trail of Afghan trade

BUSINESS opportunities between Australia and Afghanistan will be discussed at conference in Dandenong this week.
The Australian Afghan Business Council is hosting the three-day conference, which starts on Thursday 19 June at Punthill.
Organiser Bashir Keshtiar is expecting 50 delegates from the USA, Dubai, Turkey and New Zealand to join business representatives from Afghanistan and Greater Dandenong in what he believes is an Australian first.
Mr Keshtiar said he was excited that, for once, a conference about Afghanistan would focus not on bloodshed and war but rather on trade and commercial opportunities.
“This forum is about fostering trade and investment between the two countries.
“I am really excited because, hopefully, this will be the beginning of a long economic journey between the two countries.”
Mr Keshtiar confirmed that 14 local companies had signed up to take part in the conference, with six making presentations.
He said Afghanistan presented commercial opportunities for Australian firms in mining, natural resources, agriculture and education.
“Security is always a key question in regards to Afghanistan.
“If you had asked me this time last year I would have said ‘my God, I just don’t know’ but now things are not as bad as they are portrayed.”
Mr Keshtiar was born in Afghanistan but fled nearly 30 years ago to Pakistan when the government tried to coerce him into compulsory military service.
He has lived in Melbourne for 26 years, working mainly in the banking sector.
He is a well-known supporter of the Afghan community in Greater Dandenong through his involvement with the City of Greater Dandenong Afghan Bazaar Cultural Tours.
The Australian Afghan Business Council is a non-profit, non-government organisation that aims to unite business communities and social networks in both countries.
For more information on the conference, email info@australianafghanbc.com.au.
– Narelle Coulter