Businesspeople from Afghanistan have stressed the need for Iranian private sector to make more investment in the country.
An Iran-Afghanistan Business Forum was held in the headquarters of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture (ICCIMA) in Tehran on Monday as a major Afghan trade delegation is in the Iranian capital to attend Iran Expo 2024.
Addressing the business forum, ICCIMA Vice President Qadir Qiafeh welcomed the peace in Afghanistan after years of insecurity and said that the Iran Chamber of Commerce is ready to help the promotion of trade ties with the neighboring country.
Noting that the volume of trade between Iran and Afghanistan has reached $2 billion, he said that Afghanistan is now one of the top five destinations for Iranian products.
He urged the need for the chambers of commerce of the two countries to prepare plans for strategic measures so as to witness a growth in bilateral relations.
Speaking in the meantime, Deputy Head of Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment Mohammad Younus Mohmand said that Afghanistan has passed behind 45 years of war and is now witnessing security.
“By restoring trade relations with all world countries, we have increased Afghanistan's exports from $700 million to $2 billion,” he added.
He urged the need for the Iranian private sector to make investments in Afghanistan, while noting that the Chinese have a stronger presence in the country.
Mahmand stressed that his country needs Iranian experience and technology in different areas, including trade, transit, knowledge-based sector, and mines.
He added that Afghanistan railway network provides Iran with access to China and Central Asia.
