Officials at the Iranian Consulate in Herat report a significant increase in trade between the two countries over the past and current year.
They stated that in the Afghan solar year 1403, trade between Afghanistan and Iran reached $3.5 billion. They also noted that this year, the volume of goods exported and imported via the Herat–Khaf railway has risen from 5,000 tons per month to 90,000 tons per month.
Ali Reza Marhamati, Iran’s Consul in Herat, said: “We currently have very good trade with Afghanistan. According to the figures, trade between the two countries in 1403 amounted to $3.5 billion, but this year it has increased even more. In 1403, the railway transferred 5,000 tons, but currently this figure has risen to over 90,000 tons.”
At the same time, several experts believe that the Islamic Emirate, through its economy-focused policies, has successfully expanded trade relations with neighboring countries, particularly Iran.
Mohammad Rafiq Shaheer, head of the Herat Experts Council, said: “Afghanistan has respected its neighbors and has not interfered in their internal affairs. Iran has stood by us in difficult conditions, keeping its embassy and consulates active and issuing visas to Afghans. Likewise, Turkey and Turkmenistan have also assisted us to the extent of their capabilities.”
Meanwhile, local officials in Herat describe relations between Afghanistan and Iran as closer than ever and note ongoing efforts to further expand economic ties with foreign countries, especially Iran.
Herat Governor Noor Ahmad Islamjar said: “Both Islamic countries should maintain their sovereignty and live peacefully alongside each other for the long term.”
According to officials, minerals, dried fruits, cotton, and other products are among the items exported from Afghanistan to Iran.
These reports of increased trade with Iran come at a time when Afghanistan’s commercial ties with Pakistan have collapsed, and as of yesterday, imports of medicines from Pakistan have been completely halted.
