Afghan dried-fruit exporters have signed a $90 million agreement with a major Iranian shipping company, opening a direct maritime route for Afghan goods to reach global markets. The information was reported by media affiliated with Afghanistan’s current authorities, according to Afintl.af.
The contract was concluded during a meeting focused on expanding trade cooperation, which brought together representatives from Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, and India. Participants discussed opportunities for strengthening regional transport corridors and developing new routes for Afghan exports.
The deal marks a significant step amid Afghanistan’s deteriorating trade and transit relations with Pakistan. The country’s authorities are actively seeking alternative export channels, placing particular emphasis on deepening cooperation with Iran. Earlier, Afghan economic officials visited Tehran for a joint forum, and Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar publicly urged Afghan businesses to shift to alternative routes through the ports of Chabahar and Bandar Abbas.
Iran, for its part, has expressed readiness to expand economic collaboration with Afghanistan. Ambassador Alireza Bikdeli emphasized that Tehran views cooperation in transit, trade, and agriculture as a strategic priority and is prepared to support the growth of Afghan exports to regional and international markets.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
20 November 2025