Afghanistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) said on Saturday that this year Afghanistan’s exports to Iran has reached $17 million, which is a 50% increase in the country’s exports compared to last year.

“We have been exporting goods to Iran for 30 to 35 years, but still Iran does not import some important goods. Iran has put high tariffs on Afghan goods. We ask Iran to give us preferential tariffs like other countries,” said Mohammad Younes Momand, head of the ACCI.

Meanwhile, officials at the Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment said that Afghanistan’s exports to Iran are mostly dried fruits, agricultural products and coal. The officials said they are working to increase the rate of exports to Iran.

“Iran had been one of the countries to which we export to the most. 40% of exports from the southwestern provinces, which includes marbles, dry fruit and agricultural products, have been exported to the republic of Iran,” said Mohammad Yunus Ghazizada, head of Herat’s Chamber of Commerce and Investment.

Economists commented on the potential for economic growth:

“If attention is paid to the packaging and standardization of domestic products, there is no doubt that we can export more to the neighboring countries and to the world,” said Abdul Nasir Reshtia, an economist.

According to ACCI statistics, Iran is the biggest exporter to Afghanistan, and this year exports have reached $1.5 billion dollars.