Taliban Industry Minister Stresses Expansion of Trade Ties with Iran
The Taliban government’s Minister of Industry and Trade says efforts are ongoing to expand Afghanistan’s economic relations with Iran, and that Kabul is on a path to strengthen trade cooperation with various countries.
In an interview with Tolo News, Nooruddin Azizi stated that bilateral trade was emphasized during consultations with officials from the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to him, the volume of trade between the two countries has reached approximately $500 million.
Azizi, referencing U.S. restrictions and sanctions imposed on Kabul, stressed that no country has the right to limit Afghanistan’s trade relations with the rest of the world. He asserted that Afghanistan has the right to conduct trade with any country it chooses.
He also spoke about the consequences of reduced or halted trade with Pakistan. Azizi acknowledged that while this situation may lead to short-term price increases in some areas, it will ultimately reduce Afghanistan’s economic dependency on Pakistan in the long run.
According to the minister, talks are also underway with Indian officials, and the Taliban administration is working to activate alternative trade routes and diversify Afghanistan’s economic partnerships. However, this approach, in the absence of a clear and stable economic policy, has prompted questions and concerns among economic experts.
