Afghanistan and Iran Hold Talks to Strengthen Trade and Investment

Afghanistan and Iran held high-level talks to expand trade, ease transit restrictions, and explore new investment opportunities, with the goal of boosting bilateral commerce to $10 billion.

Afghanistan and Iran economic delegations, led by Nooruddin Azizi and Seyed Mohammad Atabak, met to explore ways to expand trade, ease transit restrictions, and boost investment, The Caspian Post reports citing foreign media.

During the meeting, officials discussed signing new trade, transit, and investment agreements. Topics included preferential tariffs, removing non-tariff barriers on agricultural products, and resolving Afghanistan’s transit challenges.

Key issues such as access to border crossings at Milak, Dogharoon, Chabahar, and Bandar Abbas were addressed, along with proposals for economic forums and cotton trade.

Iran’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Seyed Mohammad Atabak, pledged to address concerns raised and committed to increasing bilateral trade to $10 billion annually.

Afghanistan and Iran have long maintained close trade and transit ties, but high tariffs, non-tariff barriers, limited infrastructure, and logistical hurdles have slowed growth.

Officials from both sides expressed optimism that implementing the new agreements and following up on commitments could expand trade volumes and create fresh opportunities for investment.