Afghanistan and Iran have held talks on expanding bilateral trade, improving cross-border commerce and creating new investment opportunities for businesses in both countries.

The discussions took place during a meeting between a trade delegation from Afghanistan’s Kandahar province and representatives of the Iran-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce.

The Afghan delegation was led by Kamaluddin Tawhid, Chairman of the Afghanistan-Iran Joint Chamber of Commerce, who met with his Iranian counterpart, Mahmoud Seyadat, along with members of the chamber’s board of directors. Afghanistan’s Consul General in Mashhad, Noor Mohammad Mutawakkil, also attended.

The talks focused on strengthening economic cooperation, streamlining trade procedures at ports and border crossings, and encouraging joint investment by Afghan and Iranian companies.

Participants also raised several practical obstacles affecting commercial activities, including foreign exchange obligations, visa arrangements for Afghan truck drivers and the movement of Afghan freight vehicles through Iranian territory.

Tawhid highlighted Kandahar’s economic potential and investment opportunities across Afghanistan, urging Iranian businesses to play a greater role in the country’s economy.

He also pointed to investment opportunities identified by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce, stressing the need for improved facilities for private-sector businesses and closer cooperation between the two countries’ commercial communities.

Both sides agreed to follow up on the issues raised, improve coordination between relevant economic institutions and work towards removing barriers to trade.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to strengthen commercial exchanges and expand trade and investment relations between Afghanistan and Iran.

Afghanistan and Russia have discussed ways to strengthen bilateral trade, expand private-sector cooperation and attract new investment during a meeting in Kabul.

Inayatullah Sediqzi, Deputy Head of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) for Services, met with Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov on the sidelines of an event marking Russia’s National Unity Day on Wednesday, November 4.

The event was hosted by the Russian Embassy in Kabul.

According to a statement from the ACCI, discussions focused on boosting economic relations, increasing bilateral trade and creating greater opportunities for businesspeople and investors from both countries.

Both sides highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between the Afghan and Russian private sectors, exploring new areas of economic partnership and establishing stronger direct links between their respective business communities.

The discussions reflect Afghanistan’s continued efforts to expand economic engagement with regional and international partners, with increased trade, private-sector development and foreign investment remaining key priorities.