KABUL (SW) – During the first meeting of the appointed committees between Afghanistan and Iran, both sides reached an agreement to enhance trade and transit between the two nations.
The meeting was held on Sunday, along with the development of trade and transit relations between Iran and Afghanistan, solutions to existing problems in this area were also discussed.
Officials of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce said that the meeting was held to implement the agreements made during Abdul Ghani Baradar’s visit to Iran.
Abdul-Ghani Baradar, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, has gone on an official visit to Iran where he has recently signed various agreements with that country’s officials.
Akhundzada Abdul Salam Javad, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, told Salam Watandar that during this meeting, a consensus was reached to extend the working hours for the operation of Islam Qala in Nimruz and Abu-Nasr Farahi port, as well as the three Iranian customs offices.
He adds that as part of the agreement, there will be an increase in both export and import activities between the two countries. This will result in a surge in the daily transportation of cargo vehicles from the current 550 to 1,200.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, says: “In these meetings, the 20-day restriction of Iranian trucks entering Afghanistan has been lifted, and the parties have announced the cancellation of some of the fees set to develop trade.”
Meanwhile, economic analysts deem these meetings as effective in addressing the challenges faced by businessmen on both sides.
Taj-Mohammad Talash, an economic analyst, highlights that major challenges faced by Afghan businessmen include restrictions at Chabahar port, rising customs tariffs, and the counterfeiting of Afghan goods in Iran.
“There are still problems in trade between Afghanistan and Iran such as the issue of visas and money transfers, if these challenges are removed, I think relations between the two sides will improve,” Nasir-Ahmad Rashtia, another economic analyst said.
According to officials from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in 2023, Afghanistan exported commercial goods valued at 25 million dollars to Iran. These goods included items such as cotton, various types of tires, cumin, soft drinks, and other commercial products.
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