Why It Matters: Iran-Afghanistan trade cooperation is crucial for both nations, offering mutual economic benefits and regional stability. Strengthening trade ties can boost economic growth, with Afghanistan benefiting from access to Iran’s ports for expanded trade and reduced reliance on other routes. Iran gains a valuable market and investment opportunities in Afghanistan. This cooperation also contributes to regional stability by fostering cross-border collaboration in sectors like energy, transportation, and security.
Increasing non-oil exports to the neighboring countries is one of the major plans the Iranian government has pursued in recent years.
What They Are Saying:
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, last night at an economic meeting in Kabul, stated, “A key issue discussed with officials of the acting Afghan government, which also serves mutual interests, is the development of economic cooperation between Tehran and Kabul, as the conditions for expanding such cooperation are more favorable than ever before.”
The Acting Minister of Commerce of Afghanistan, Nooruddin Azizi stated, “We have supported—and will continue to support—the Islamic Republic of Iran’s trade and transit programs for Afghanistan.” added from the very first days of the caretaker government’s tenure in Afghanistan, we initiated efforts to develop trade and economic cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Key Points:
- Increased Trade: The trade volume between Iran and Afghanistan has significantly multiplied.
- Improved Security: Security conditions have improved both in Afghanistan and along the shared borders.
- Favorable Environment: These factors create a supportive environment for traders and investors to enhance trade and economic cooperation.
- Afghan migrants remit approximately $3 billion to Afghanistan each year, which is classified as part of the country’s service exports."
- Tehran is ready to cooperate with Kabul addressing environmental issues concerning the two nations.
- Afghanistan has the largest trade volume with Iran and Pakistan.
- Further activation of Chabahar and Bandar Abbas is necessary to enhance exports and imports between Iran and Afghanistan.
Go Deeper:
Araghchi Highlights Iran-Afghanistan Shared Security Concerns
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