Iran Commits to Expanding Economic Ties with Afghanistan
Alireza Bikdeli, Iran’s acting ambassador in Kabul, has announced that the Islamic Republic of Iran seeks to expand its economic, transit, and trade cooperation with Afghanistan.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the fourth Abu Hanifa International Exhibition in Kabul, Bikdeli said Iran is ready to leverage its capacities to contribute to Afghanistan’s economic stability and bolster regional connectivity.
Bikdeli emphasized that Iranian ports, including Chabahar and Bandar Abbas, as well as Iran’s railway network and transit infrastructure, will be available to facilitate the development of economic relations with Afghanistan. He also reported a significant increase in freight transport via the Khaf–Herat railway this year and noted that, for the first time, transit fuel from Iran has reached Afghanistan through this route.
He called on Iran’s private sector to play an active role in Afghanistan’s economy, adding that the Iranian embassy and related economic institutions will support this effort. Bikdeli highlighted Afghanistan’s considerable potential in exporting agricultural products, dried fruits, and minerals, which could be realized by removing export barriers.
Referring to the absence of banking channels and existing obstacles to financial transactions, the ambassador called for the establishment of new banking mechanisms between the two countries. He stressed the need to develop border markets and simplify customs procedures to facilitate the import and export process.
These statements come as the Taliban administration, amid international isolation and the collapse of Afghanistan’s economic institutions, has struggled to attract foreign investment. While Iran emphasizes the importance of expanding ties, serious questions remain about the transparency and management of such relations under Taliban rule.
On the sidelines of the Abu Hanifa exhibition, officials from Iran’s Dogharoun Free Zone also met with Iranian diplomats. The head of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce said the participation of 90 Iranian economic representatives reflects strong interest in enhancing economic ties with Afghanistan.
The exhibition, featuring 40 Iranian companies, was held to showcase Afghanistan’s production capabilities and create a platform for expanding both domestic and regional markets. Organizers described the event as a step toward economic diplomacy and integrating Afghanistan into neighboring markets.
