In a speech at a conference introducing trade opportunities and capacities between Iran and Afghanistan in Tehran, Mohammad Younes Mohmand, head of the country's Chamber of Commerce and Investment, criticized the non-operationalization of economic agreements between the two countries, the problems of Afghan traders in Iran, the lack of necessary capacities in Chabahar Port, and the complexities of transit and quarantine processes between the two countries, and said: "We have been talking about economic cooperation for years, but unfortunately, many of these discussions do not reach the implementation stage. The Joint Economic Commission should move beyond the formal framework and take action in an operational and executive manner."
Publish dateTuesday 29 April 2025 - 19:44
Story Code : 314330
Head of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment;
Many economic agreements between Afghanistan and Iran are not operational / Chabahar Port infrastructure is not yet complete
Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - Tehran: A conference introducing the trade opportunities and capacities of Iran and Afghanistan, along with bilateral discussion tables (B2B), was held on Monday afternoon, April 28, with the participation of the Afghan economic and trade delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Islamic Emirate, as well as trade officials, producers and economic activists, and representatives of the Islamic Consultative Assembly from Iran, on the sidelines of the 7th Iran Export Capabilities Exhibition; "Iran Expo 2025".
In his speech at the conference, Mohammad Younes Mohmand, Head of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment of the country, while expressing his pleasure at being in Tehran, emphasized the historical and cultural relations between the two countries and thanked the Islamic Republic of Iran for its facilities and trade cooperation in the past years. He also expressed special gratitude to the embassies of the two countries and the Trade Development Organization of Iran for providing the basis for this event and strengthening economic relations.
Important criticisms of Mohammad Younes Mohmand about trade and economic problems between the two countries
1. Economic agreements not being implemented
Mohmand pointed out the failure to implement many economic agreements and talks between the two countries and said: "We have been talking about economic cooperation for years, but unfortunately, many of these talks do not reach the implementation stage. The Joint Economic Commission must move beyond the formal framework and take action in an operational and executive manner."
He emphasized: This commission must have a clear and concise agenda so that businessmen and investors can carry out their activities based on it.
2. Problems of Afghan businessmen in Iran
He emphasized, referring to the problems of Afghan businessmen in Iran: "Investors must feel secure. We cannot expect to invest in a place where bank accounts are closed every day, offices are closed, or legal cases are filed against investors. These problems make no businessmen willing to invest."
Mohmand pointed out the problems faced by Afghan businessmen in Iran and said that many investments have not been successful due to the lack of suitable conditions, and that is why many have gone to Turkey to invest.
3. Lack of infrastructure and problems in Chabahar Port
The head of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment continued to criticize the state of Chabahar Port's infrastructure, adding: "The infrastructure of Chabahar Port is not yet complete. The process of examining shipments is very long, and this has slowed down the export and import process. Despite cooperation strategies, no tangible progress is seen in practice."
Referring to the emphasis of Mohammad Reza Bahrami, Assistant Minister and Director General for South Asia at the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Chabahar Port, he noted: "Today, when we go to Chabahar Port, we see that its infrastructure is not yet fully ready. If we want to send a commercial shipment to Chabahar, the relevant officials have to conduct lengthy checks, which slows down the process.”
4. Complexities of transit and quarantine processes
He pointed to serious obstacles in the transit process and quarantine conditions in Iran and said: “We are asked for a lot of documents at the borders. These lengthy processes cause goods to remain at the borders and sometimes even spoil. These issues must be corrected quickly.”
Mohmand’s suggestions for developing cooperation
In addition to his criticisms, Mohmand made strategic suggestions to strengthen economic and trade relations between Iran and Afghanistan:
1- Establishing a large joint venture
He suggested that, given Afghanistan’s capacities in the field of solar energy, a large joint venture be established between Iran and Afghanistan, adding: “Afghanistan has 355 days of sunshine a year, and this is a huge opportunity for developing solar energy.”
Mohmand added that in the field of investment, especially in the energy, agriculture and livestock sectors, we are fully prepared to do joint work with Iran.
2- Iran's special attention to giving priority to Afghanistan
He also emphasized that Iran should give special priority to Afghanistan in economic cooperation and said: "We have long common borders and security has been established in Afghanistan. We hope that these relations will be a priority for Iran's economic cooperation."
The head of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment added: The reality is that the volume of trade between Afghanistan and Iran is still far below the actual capacity. The Afghan people have a great desire to increase trade exchanges, but more scope must be provided for the trade balance between the two countries.
3- Facilitating transit processes and removing trade barriers
He also emphasized the need to facilitate transit processes and reduce the complexity of quarantine at the borders and said: "These problems cause goods to be stopped at the borders and many of them to spoil."
He invited all economic activists from both countries to participate in the exhibition, which will be held in Kabul in the next three months, and called it an opportunity to further expand trade relations between the two countries.
He added: "Although our hosting will not be as worthy as you, we will serve you with all our sincerity and ability."
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