The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has reported that over the past seven months of the current solar year, trade with Iran reached a value of $1.827 billion.
Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, the ministry’s spokesperson, stated that out of this total, $30 million accounted for exports, while the remainder consisted of imports.
According to Abdul Salam Jawad, Afghanistan’s main exports to Iran included mineral stones, raisins, lead ingots, various beverages, and sesame, while key imports consisted of oil and gas, raw materials for factories, and cement.
The spokesperson said: “Afghanistan’s trade with the Islamic Republic of Iran during the first seven months of 1403 [Solar Year] amounted to $1.827 billion, of which $30 million were exports and $1.797 billion were imports.”
Meanwhile, Iranian media reported that during the current solar year, Iran exported $1.3 billion worth of non-oil goods to Afghanistan alone.
The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment emphasized the importance of boosting exports to Iran.
Khanjan Alkozai, a board member of the Chamber, told TOLOnews: “Iran has taken a significant share of our trade, and what is being said is accurate. Our imports and business are increasing daily because we consume and need supplies. If Pakistan’s routes close, we must open alternative doors.”
Abdul Nasir Rashtia, an economic analyst, said: “After facing border and transit issues with Pakistan, alternative routes were sought. Without a doubt, Chabahar Port and Iran became the best options, and most of our trade shifted to Iran.”
A week ago, the Economic Coordination Deputy of Khorasan Razavi Province Iran identified Afghanistan as one of Iran’s primary trade and export destinations. In addition to increasing exports of Iranian products to Afghanistan, he emphasized the transfer of knowledge and standards to the country.