India, Afghanistan start trading goods via Iran’s Chabahar Port

A big cargo of rice from India has arrived in Iran’s Southeastern Chabahar Port and is destined to be transported to landlocked Afghanistan while at the same time Afghans are sending a shipment of dried fruit to the South Asian country through the same strategic port.

“Around 500 tons of rice which were bought from India have arrived in Chabahar this week. Exports have also started through Chabahar,” Deputy Chairman of Afghanistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) Khanjan Alokozay said.

Noting that this is the first Indian cargo sent to Afghanistan through Chabahar, the official said in line with the plans to boost regional connectivity, Afghanistan is ready to send its second shipment to India via Chabahar.

Afghanistan sent its first cargo, containing 570 tons of commodities, via the Iranian strategic port in late February, under the TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) Convention that enables shipments to pass through countries without being opened at borders.

According to Alokozay, despite the US’ sanctions against Iran, Afghan and Indian traders have not become reluctant in trading through the port.

Meanwhile, a number of economic analysts said Chabahar port can play a significant role in the expansion of trade between Afghanistan, Iran and India.

EA