Request Indian businesses to come to Afghanistan: Karzai

Visiting Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai Monday said he wants Indian business to come to Afghanistan and invest as the country is now more confident of its future.

"My visiting this time to India is focused particularly in talking to and asking and requesting Indian business to come to Afghanistan," Karzai said here.

He was speaking after India and Afghanisation signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), including on education.

"Investment opportunities in Afghanistan today are better. A country that is more confident of its future and that is willing to receive investments from its friends," he added.

Karzai also praised India and called it a "very generous and front-line supporter" for Afghanistan's re-construction and development.

"Indian experts are busy in re-building and re-constructing Afghanistan. India has offered us nearly $2 billion for development. This includes education, health, social development and defence," he added.

"Government of Afghanistan through me today conveyed the deep gratitude to the people of India for the trust they have shown in the past many years.

"Manmohan Singh as prime minister is a great personality. I find your (Singh) support strengthening and encouraging for the Afghanistan people," he added.