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KABUL – In a landmark move heralding a significant economic shift, Iranian officials and Taliban de facto authorities have laid the foundation for a projected $10 billion bilateral trade agreement. Economic Adviser of Iranian President’s Special Envoy in Afghanistan Affairs Mohammad-Mehdi Javanmard-Ghassab has announced the ambitious target following discussions with the Taliban’s Minister of Commerce and Industry.
This forward-looking accord was solidified during a memorandum signing event fostering economic collaboration between the two nations. Javanmard-Ghassab highlighted the anticipated surge in trade, envisioning a substantial leap from $1.6 billion to an impressive $10 billion within 3 to 5 years, as declared by the Taliban’s Minister of Commerce and Industry.
While acknowledging the complexities involved in such an economic transformation, the Iranian official emphasized the necessity of bolstering production within Afghanistan. Both nations are committed to elevating the trade volume to match the outlined target within the stipulated period.
The pursuit of this economic milestone was formalized during the Iran-Afghanistan Joint Economic Committee meeting held in Tehran, marking the initial high-level gathering since the new Afghan government assumed power. Several crucial memorandums of understanding (MOUs) were inked, encompassing collaborations in various sectors including international road transport, civil aviation, steel production, and the establishment of free trade and special economic zones.
The two-day event featured extensive discussions on joint working groups focused on trade, transit, transportation, customs, and environmental concerns. Additional working groups are set to be formed, aiming to address impediments that might impede the seamless economic cooperation between the neighboring nations.
Further fortifying these agreements, Iranian Transport and Urban Development Minister Mehrdad Bazrpash engaged in discussions with Afghanistan’s Acting Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Hamidullah Akhundzada, exploring avenues to enhance transport connections between the two countries.
This collaborative economic endeavor signals a pivotal moment in the economic landscape of the region, underlining a shared commitment to amplify bilateral trade and forge stronger ties between Iran and Afghanistan.
