Announcement

Mazari Sharif International AgFair and Cashmere Exhibition Creates New Business Opportunities

27,500 members of the agricultural sector, business community, government, and international organizations attended.

Mazari Sharif, Afghanistan  | Sunday, March 15, 2009

Photo: USAID/Afghanistan

Women spin cashmere thread at the Mazari Sharif AgFair and Cashmere Exhibition.

From March 12-13, the Mazari Sharif International AgFair and Cashmere Exhibition promoted Afghanistan’s produce, livestock, and cashmere on the world stage.  Approximately 27,500 members of the agricultural sector, business community, government, and international organizations attended the event, which was held to build awareness of agriculture in Afghanistan, link buyers and sellers, and boost sales of Afghan products nationally and internationally. The AgFair provided the opportunity to exchange ideas on increasing agricultural production and agribusiness in Afghanistan, as well as to learn about improved farming practices and technology.

The AgFair also hosted a cashmere exhibition, showcasing Afghanistan’s growing cashmere industry.  Afghanistan is the world’s third largest producer of cashmere and has the potential to increase production significantly, bringing wealth and export opportunities to herdsmen and weavers.  In addition to linking buyers and sellers, the AgFair featured demonstrations on harvesting, processing, and marketing cashmere, as well as tips on raising healthy goats. 

Afghanistan has hosted eight AgFairs throughout the country since early 2007.  Organized by USAID in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock; the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the Afghanistan Investment Support Agency; and the Export Promotion Agency of Afghanistan, the events have generated millions of dollars in business deals and have raised the profile Afghanistan’s agricultural sector to the global level.