Delegations from Afghanistan and Iran, including representatives from their respective economic institutions, held the sixth round of their joint meeting at the Dogharoon border. The discussions focused on addressing transit challenges, reducing trade costs, and improving the flow of goods across the shared border.
From Afghanistan, officials from the Ministries of Industry and Trade, Mines and Petroleum, Agriculture, Finance, and Customs participated. The Iranian side was represented by officials from the Trade Development Organization. The meeting took place in the Dogharoon free trade zone, a key passage for trade between the two countries.
Mawlavi Sabghatullah Akhundzadeh, Head of Investment at Afghanistan’s Taliban-run Ministry of Industry and Trade, described the current trade relations through this border as satisfactory, asserting that no major obstacles exist for bilateral trade development. However, economic experts have repeatedly highlighted structural issues and customs restrictions at Afghanistan’s borders.
In response, Dr. Nisi, Assistant to the Director General of Iran’s Trade Development Organization, noted that both Islam Qala and Dogharoon customs lack adequate infrastructure and technology, emphasizing the need for investment. Weak customs facilities contribute to delays in import and export processes and increase trade costs for Afghan merchants.
According to Iranian officials, annual trade between Afghanistan and Iran via Dogharoon reaches approximately $4 billion, underscoring the strategic importance of this border crossing.
Despite such meetings, the Taliban administration has failed over the past two years to establish the necessary infrastructure to facilitate foreign trade with neighboring countries, particularly at western borders. Expectations remain high for practical measures to remove transit barriers and improve trade efficiency.
