Business
Iran’s Khorasan Razavi governor calls for greater economic cooperation with Afghanistan
He further proposed the creation of free economic zones on both sides of the border, arguing that such initiatives could attract joint investment and boost commercial activity.
Gholam Hossein Mozaffari, governor of Iran’s Khorasan Razavi province, has called for expanded economic cooperation and joint investment between Iran and Afghanistan, saying the economic growth of both countries depends on stronger bilateral engagement.
Speaking during a meeting with Noor Mohammad Motawakel, Afghanistan’s consul general in Mashhad, Mozaffari said the deep cultural and economic ties between the two neighbors provide a strong foundation for enhancing trade and investment.
According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, he described Afghanistan as an important economic partner and stressed the need to make better use of existing opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
Mozaffari also highlighted the strategic importance of the Islam Qala border crossing, saying efforts are underway to improve infrastructure and streamline operations at the gateway in order to facilitate trade and cross-border movement.
He further proposed the creation of free economic zones on both sides of the border, arguing that such initiatives could attract joint investment and boost commercial activity.
Addressing the issue of Afghan nationals living in Iran, the governor said Tehran aims to regulate the entry, residency and employment of Afghan citizens through a transparent and legal framework. He added that plans are being pursued to issue work visas for businesspeople and establish clearer mechanisms for managing the presence of Afghan nationals in the country.
Mozaffari also emphasized the importance of safeguarding the dignity and rights of Afghan citizens in Iran while reducing irregular cross-border movements through stronger legal channels.
For his part, Motawakel called for the resumption of taxi services between Herat and Taybad, noting that operations were suspended following the recent conflict and have not yet resumed.
The Afghan diplomat also raised concerns about challenges facing Afghan nationals in Iran, including the high cost of health insurance and issues related to the transfer of Afghan prisoners, and urged authorities to address these matters.
Motawakel said implementing agreements reached between Kabul and Tehran would benefit both countries and contribute to expanding economic and transit cooperation.
Business
Afghanistan, Belarus discuss expanding industrial and trade cooperation
Particular attention was given to companies producing tractors, industrial machinery, and equipment and vehicles used in the mining sector.
Afghanistan’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nooruddin Azizi, met with Belarus’ Minister of Industry during an official visit to the country.
The two sides discussed the establishment of manufacturing plants in Afghanistan, the regular organization of the Afghanistan-Belarus Business Forum, and follow-up on issues raised through the countries’ economic commission.
Belarusian officials expressed appreciation for Afghanistan’s participation in the country’s international industrial exhibition and voiced interest in expanding the presence of Belarusian manufacturing companies in Afghanistan.
Particular attention was given to companies producing tractors, industrial machinery, and equipment and vehicles used in the mining sector.
The second International Industrial Exhibition of Belarus is being held with the participation of around 500 companies from different countries. The exhibition has also attracted visitors from European and Asian countries.
Business
Afghanistan, Tajikistan seek stronger trade and investment ties
The two sides discussed increasing trade exchanges, establishing direct links between traders and investors, and organizing joint economic programs.
The heads of the chambers of commerce and industry of Afghanistan and Tajikistan have agreed to strengthen bilateral trade, promote investment and expand cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries.
Sayed Karim Hashemi, head of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), held an online meeting with Farhad Shah Rahman Alizoda, head of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Tajikistan, to discuss ways to expand economic ties.
The two sides discussed increasing trade exchanges, establishing direct links between traders and investors, and organizing joint economic programs.
Hashemi invited Tajik traders and investors to participate in the fifth Imam Abu Hanifa International Exhibition in Kabul.
Alizoda, meanwhile, invited an Afghan business delegation to attend a major trade and industrial exhibition in Dushanbe.
The two sides also stressed the importance of exchanging business delegations and developing long-term cooperation between the private sectors of Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
Business
Kazakhstan grain shipments to Afghanistan rise over 4-fold
Of the total, 7.2 million tons were transported for export, while 2.1 million tons were supplied to the domestic market.
Grain shipments from Kazakhstan to Afghanistan increased 4.4 times in the first eight months of the year, reaching 655,000 tons, according to Kazakhstan’s Transport Vice Minister Zhanibek Taizhanov.
Speaking at a government meeting, Taizhanov said Kazakhstan transported 9.3 million tons of grain by rail during the period, a 13% increase compared with the same period in 2025.
Of the total, 7.2 million tons were transported for export, while 2.1 million tons were supplied to the domestic market.
Taizhanov said grain shipments to Central Asia increased by 37%, while shipments to China rose by 34%. Grain exports through Russian ports also increased by 9%.
Meanwhile, combined fodder exports rose by 38% to 2.6 million tons.
Earlier, Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Agriculture Azat Sultanov said the country plans to commission 15 additional vegetable storage facilities by the end of 2026, with a combined capacity of 129,000 tons.
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