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Exim Bank has flagged off a consignment of materials and components of Jaipur Foot to the National Disability Institute â Kabul (NDI), for 1000 amputees of Afghanistan. Exim Bank is supporting Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), the parent body of Jaipur Foot â the most widely used artificial foot / limb in the world â for setting up a permanent Jaipur Foot Centre at the NDI in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Exim Bank has provided a grant support of US$ 100,000 for the Jaipur Foot Project which includes support towards materials and components for fitting of 1000 artificial limbs in a year. In addition, a sum of US$ 25,000 has also been provided for training three NDI technicians in Jaipur for a period of three to four months. The Project is an insignia of the BankâÂÂs endeavour to be more closely associated with the multi-layered development process of partner countries like Afghanistan by supporting social dimensions like health and education, while concomitantly serving its mandate of promoting IndiaâÂÂs trade and investment, a statement issued by the Exim bank said here.

The project formally commenced with the inception of the training program for the NDI technicians, and flagging of the consignment of materials and components for the Jaipur Foot Centre to NDI in Kabul. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. D. R. Mehta, Founder and Chief Patron, BMVSS noted that although the organization has held camps in Afghanistan in the past, this initiative would provide an enduring impact on the differently abled citizens of Afghanistan. Mr. Mehta also noted that the role of Exim Bank has been pivotal in achieving the desired objectives as finance emerged as a major impediment in setting up of a permanent centre, given the financial constraints of the Government of Afghanistan.

Mr. Yaduvendra Mathur, Chairman and Managing Director, Exim Bank noted that these efforts of BMVSS and Exim Bank are aligned with the Indian policy of nurturing development partners for mutual growth. Mr. Mathur also highlighted the unstinted support received from the Ministry of External Affairs, and specifically the Indian Embassy in Afghanistan in facilitating this project.

Exim Bank has played a pivotal role in enhancing bilateral trade and investment relations with Afghanistan by promoting and financing Indian companies in execution of projects. These projects facilitate and support infrastructure development in host countries, thereby contributing to their economic progress. In Afghanistan, the Bank has supported various project export contracts valued at nearly Rs. 900 crore. Supporting organisations like BMVSS that have a global footprint, for socially oriented activities, has provided a new dimension to Exim BankâÂÂs participation in the development of IndiaâÂÂs overseas partners, the statement said.”