Afghanistan's Minister Azizi leads trade talks with Iran

Afghanistan's acting Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nooruddin Azizi, led a delegation to Iran to discuss enhancing trade and transit relations with the neighboring country. During a meeting with the governor of Sistan-Baluchistan province, both sides agreed to boost exports to Iran and establish a technical committee at Chabahar Port to facilitate trade for traders from both nations.

Mohammad Karami, the governor of Sistan and Baluchistan province, also acts as the special representative of the Iranian president for the Iran-Afghanistan border. The delegation from Kabul emphasized the importance of resolving trade issues between the two countries to promote economic growth.

Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment highlighted the need to increase exports to Iran, which currently lag behind imports from the country. The chamber's first deputy, Mohammad Younus Momand, stressed the potential for Afghanistan to export goods to other countries like China, India, and Turkey through Iran, underscoring the significance of improving trade facilities.

Iranian investments in Afghanistan were welcomed, with economic analysts noting the positive impact of Iranian capital on the country's economy. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce reported a trade volume of $695 million with Iran in the first three months of 2024, with exports amounting to $14 million.

In conclusion, the discussions between Afghanistan and Iran aim to strengthen economic ties and enhance trade opportunities, particularly through initiatives like the establishment of a technical committee at Chabahar Port. The potential for increased exports and investments from Iran could further boost Afghanistan's economy and facilitate trade with other countries in the region.