MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): A three-day trade fair, showcasing products and services of Afghan women-owned companies, was concluded in Marzar-i-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province, on Sunday.
Featuring a variety of businesses from Balkh province as well as from six other provinces, the three-day event offered business-to-business networking and an open day for consumers to visit the exhibition, read a statement from USAID.
The event was part of USAID Forward Together: Women in Business programme, the statement said.
“Trade fairs are a great way for Afghan women to reach discerning consumers in some of the world’s largest markets with their outstanding products,” said USAID Mission Director Peter Natiello. “This means better incomes, employment, and livelihoods for Afghan women and their families.”
Participating businesses identified more customers, suppliers, and contractors. Businesses also heard from customers and improved their understanding of customer needs.
In last year’s trade fair, businesses made approximately 15.5 million afghanis from wholesale contract agreements and approximately 2.9 million afghanis in direct retail sales.
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