U.S. prepares trade mission to Afghanistan

U.S. prepares trade mission to Afghanistan    Francisco S'nchez, U.S. Commerce Department's undersecretary for international trade, will lead a trade mission to Kabul, Afghanistan, this September.
   S'nchez will bring representatives from 10 U.S. companies who are interested in pursuing export, partnership, and investment opportunities in Afghanistan. The companies are Aeromix, Bell Helicopter Textron, Case New Holland, Dynamic Defense Materials, Hertz, MCT Industries, Momentum Financial, Morris and McDaniel, Navistar Defense, and Quality Pavement Repair.
   'The bilateral relationship between the United State and Afghanistan is changing, and it's important that we develop partnerships that ensure a strong Afghanistan,' said S'nchez in a statement. 'These companies offer American products, services, and technologies that will bring economic benefits to the Afghan people and also stimulate American job growth.'
   The mission will help U.S. companies explore business opportunities in Afghanistan and enhance U.S.-Afghan commercial relations by providing participants with first-hand market information, access to government decision makers, and the opportunity to meet with a range of Afghan businessmen. Additionally, one-on-one meetings will be arranged with potential agents, distributors, and partners that will allow participating firms to position themselves to enter or expand their presence in these sectors.