Signing of Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Drug Exports between Private Companies of Iran and Afghanistan in Mazar-e-Sharif

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - Mazar-e-Sharif: Haroon Rashid, Deputy Director of the Balkh Provincial Chamber of Commerce, says that the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the country's private sector and the Islamic Republic of Iran in the field of drugs and medical equipment is an effective measure to address the country's drug and medical equipment shortages, especially in the northern provinces.

He added that based on this memorandum, the private pharmaceutical sector of the Islamic Republic of Iran will cooperate in the fields of importing drugs, transferring technical knowledge, providing medical equipment for the country's hospitals and diagnosing diseases. According to him, the closure of the country’s border with Pakistan is one of the main reasons for signing this memorandum.

The deputy head of the Balkh Provincial Chamber of Commerce stated that similar memorandums of understanding on importing medicines with Uzbekistan, Iran, and soon with Turkey will meet domestic needs and reduce the country’s dependence on Pakistan.

On the other hand, Mohammad Sadiq Mohammadi, head of the Balkh Provincial Pharmaceutical Services and Wholesalers Union, said: The signing of this memorandum will eliminate the country’s dependence on a specific country for medicines and medical equipment, and if the government supports it, part of the country’s pharmaceutical needs will be met through this memorandum.

Also, Sayed Mohammad Khansari, CEO of Darupakhsh Iran Holding, announced that the private sector and the government of his country are ready to take more effective steps to meet Afghanistan’s pharmaceutical needs, jointly produce medicines, and transfer technical and scientific knowledge. He added that “with the cooperation of the Balkh Provincial Chamber of Commerce, we are determined to cooperate comprehensively with the Muslim Afghan nation.”