Local officials in Herat say the seventh joint economic dialogue between Herat and Mashhad, Iran, will soon be held.
This dialogue is aimed at resolving trade challenges, improving economic relations, and expanding trade between the two countries.
During a preparatory meeting for this dialogue, it was emphasized that topics such as customs, transportation, oil and gas, industry, investment, and agriculture will be discussed, and several agreements will be signed between the two countries.
"One of our major partners is the Islamic Republic of Iran. We have a significant volume of imports and exports with this country, and we need to focus on research, agreements, and implementation plans to increase trade exchanges with Iran, “said Younus Qazizada, head of the Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment.
According to Afghan and Iranian officials, commercial relations between the two countries have improved to an unprecedented level in recent years.
The private sector in Herat also stated that the annual trade volume between Iran and Afghanistan has reached three billion dollars.
"God willing, with mutual cooperation, we will work in the areas of industrial production, agriculture, and the export of your products to global markets, and we promise to achieve positive results,” said Alireza Marhamati, Iran's Consul General in Herat.
"Support our traders working in Iran so that trade between Afghanistan and Iran can return to its prosperous past and revive its rich history,” said Ahmadullah Muttaqi, head of Herat's Information and Culture Department.
According to private sector officials, this economic dialogue will focus on five key areas, and it is expected that, with the signing of agreements, challenges such as delays in the clearance of goods and customs facilitation will be resolved.
"Currently, there is a delay of at least five to ten days in clearing our goods in Iran. Traders expect this process to be facilitated and expedited,” said Mirza Jan Sulaimankhail, head of the Afghanistan-Iran Joint Chamber of Commerce.
Herat and Razavi Khorasan are considered among the most important industrial and economic provinces of Afghanistan and Iran.
A significant portion of the two countries' imports and exports is conducted through the Islam Qala customs in Herat and the Dogharoon customs in Razavi Khorasan.