Traders from Khari Baoli (a wholesale market in Old Delhi) have been flocking to our stalls. This year, I can see that carpets are also in good demand,' Said Abdul Najib, another dry fruits vendor.

'The Afghan dry fruits are of very superior quality. They are really good. After all they are Kabuliwallahs,' said Lovely Singh, a Delhi based trader who came for wholesale contracts.

The Afghan vendors are also pleased by the support being extended by the Indian government and feel trade is the only way they can hope for normalcy back home after decades of strife and conflict.

'This is a very good opportunity for us. In the past years, exports were severely curtailed. We had to rely on the domestic market. These fairs are a good opportunity for us to hope for a better future,' said Mansoor Ahmad Saidy.

'Participating in such trade fairs helps us expand our production back home. It also encourages the growth of private sector in our country,' added Saidy, who represents an NGO, Afghan Women Social Business Development Association.

Along with the Afghanistan Investment Support Agency, the NGO is also hoping to attract foreign investment into the country in areas like farming, telecommunications, banking, micro-credit, real estate and tourism.