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ZARANJ (SW) – President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on Sunday oversaw the dispatching of maiden trade convoy from Nimroz to India via Iran’s Chabahar Port.
Speaking on the occasion, Ghani said the establishment of Chababar link with India and the Lapis Lazuli route to Europe via Turkey (established last month) Afghanistan has practically turned into ‘regional roundabout’ for exchange of goods and ideas.
He hoped the country’s exports would double from the current estimated $ 1 billion in a year’s time.
He said the revenue collection has improved by 90 per cent, and up to AFN 18 billion have been saved in the procurement process. He vowed to lift the status of Nimroz from present third-tier to second-tier province soon.
Yama Yari, minister for the Ministry of Public Works, told the inauguration ceremony 13 shipping containers carrying 570 tons of goods would reach Indian commercial capital Mumbai via Chabahar. He said Afghan traders have invested up to $ 50 million in the Chabahar port.
The first consignment of India-bound Afghan exports via the Iran has some 570 tons of goods, mainly the clay mineral talc and pulses. Yari said freight vessels hoisting Afghanistan flag would carry goods linked to Afghanistan via the Chabahar port from and to India.
Last year, India sent maiden shipment of wheat via Chabahar to Afghanistan. This port of India provides shorter alternative route to Karachi Port in Pakistan, which is 700 km longer and Bandar Abbas Port in Iran, which is 90 longer. This brings down shipment charges by up to $ 1000 per container, he said.
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