Strategy Needed to Benefit from Chabahar Agreement

The Iranian government is providing commercial and trade opportunities to Afghanistan which the Afghan government needs to take very seriously, according to an economic expert.

The recent agreement of Iran with India and Afghanistan in the use of its Chabahar port will give Afghanistan much-needed benefits, including more ease of transporting goods.

Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce, International Department Director, Azraksh Hafizi said the transit troubles faced with travelling through Pakistan to Karachi port make the Iranian option attractive.

"Because of the transit problems between India and Pakistan, using Chabahar Port is beneficial for Afghanistan, and India, even to Iran," he said Thursday.

He called on the government to have a clear commercial strategy in dealing with both India and Iran.

"Our country lacks a proper strategy to improve commerce. It is necessary to have one and to use this important opportunity," Hafizi said.

His comments come as Afghanistan, Iran and India reached an agreement earlier this week on the use of Chabahar port to boost trade and provide investment opportunities for the countries.