Afghanistan Urges Major Iranian Companies to Invest

TEHRAN (Iran News) The gathering, held in Kabul with the participation of Iran’s ambassador, focused on three key pillars of bilateral economic relations: investment, exports, and transportation. Both sides acknowledged that despite longstanding ties, Iran and Afghanistan have yet to achieve sustained collaboration in these areas and stressed that their respective chambers of commerce must become more active in advancing economic goals.

Afghan representatives expressed concern that while companies from various countries have invested heavily in Afghanistan, Iran’s presence remains minimal—something they described as disappointing. They also pointed to significant untapped export capacities hindered by inadequate infrastructure, particularly in transportation and logistics.

Greater engagement between the private sectors of both nations—guided by the priorities of their chambers of commerce—was highlighted as essential. Officials stressed that challenges must be addressed “online and in real time,” with chambers playing a central role in removing obstacles.

Iran’s ambassador in Kabul, Alireza Bigdeli, outlined the countries’ shared cultural, historical, and religious ties, urging both sides to leverage their geographical proximity to become preferred trade and investment partners.

Niloofar Asadi, Director-General for Asia and Oceania at Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, stated that strengthening ties with Afghanistan is a top priority. She noted that the chamber is drafting a strategic roadmap to elevate the level of economic cooperation.

Other Iranian officials highlighted untapped opportunities.

Alireza Khamehzarr, head of the Birjand Chamber, called for expanding Iranian imports from Afghanistan—especially agricultural goods—while addressing legal barriers that hinder trade.

Mahmoud Siyadat, head of the Iran–Afghanistan Joint Chamber, stressed the need for result-oriented mechanisms to ensure that agreements translate into tangible outcomes.

Hamidreza Salehi, chairman of Iran’s Energy Federation, argued that insufficient infrastructure has stunted bilateral growth. He pointed to Iran’s strong LPG production capacity and Afghanistan’s high demand as an example of an opportunity requiring better planning and coordination.

Salehi and others emphasized the necessity of establishing joint investment frameworks involving private sectors from both nations.

Afghanistan’s deputy directors of commerce and investment outlined their development plans and urged well-established Iranian companies to enter the Afghan market, where numerous large-scale projects—including $10 billion in planned investment initiatives—are under preparation.

They noted that border issues are currently being reviewed by both governments and that neighboring provinces are expected to receive particular attention in resolving logistical and commercial challenges.

Karim Hashimi, president of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, stated that the Islamic government of Afghanistan genuinely supports private enterprise. Both ACCI and Afghanistan’s Chamber of Industries and Mines, he noted, operate actively and independently.

Hashimi emphasized that trust is essential in business partnerships. He proposed prioritizing cooperation between companies introduced through the chambers of commerce of both countries, describing such introductions as a strong guarantee for safe and reliable business engagement.