Representatives of USAID’s Assistance in Building Afghanistan by Developing Enterprises (ABADE) handed over equipment to seven small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Hirat during a February 26 roundtable. The firms received, among other items, a modern containerized ice-making machinery for Badghis Ice Production Factory, a sesame seed de-hulling line for the Barakat Bazr Company, specialized beauty parlor equipment for the Aroos Darya Beauty Parlor), PUREi high definition video and photography equipment for Hami Nama Advertising Company, tailoring equipment for Sherin Gul of Shirzad Production), furniture production machinery for Farid Ahmad of Farid MDF Industry), and laptops and a color printer for Jeela of the Bahar Restaurant/women’s internet café. The assistance was provided under USAID’s Public-Private Alliance – a program designed to encourage business growth and creation of new jobs by mitigating the risks of investment. USAID has contributed more than $289,000 in equipment to the project, with SME partners contributing almost $1.3 million from existing resources, as well as from new investments, particularly in machinery or infrastructure. ABADE is a four-year, $105 million project that commenced in October 2012.