Tehran- IRAF- Neda Kargar highlighted the active presence of Afghans in Iran, saying: “These distinguished individuals are so active in various sectors that some of them have advanced from internships and labor work to becoming employers and business owners themselves. This is a great source of pride, especially in sectors like casting and iron foundry, where Afghans have a significant and active presence. We are glad to be able to serve them.”
Exponential Growth of Afghanistan’s Economy and Iran’s Role
Kargar discussed the economic opportunities and challenges between Iran and Afghanistan: “Today, we are witnessing the exponential growth of Afghanistan’s economy. The country’s economy is moving toward advanced industry, and exports that previously came from Iran to Afghanistan are now shifting toward exporting raw materials because production and industry are being established within Afghanistan itself. This is a matter of pride.”
The head of the Iran-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce emphasized: “We have repeatedly stated that the technical knowledge and experience we have gained over the years in Iran can serve active participants in industries such as mining, agriculture, food production, and construction in Afghanistan. There is now significant capacity for activity in these fields, and we encourage Iranian companies to enter these sectors.”
She also mentioned the return of Afghan investments from Iran to Afghanistan: “Even those who do not relocate permanently to Afghanistan are sending their capital back to their country, because the conditions for investment growth exist, and Afghan laws are aligned with and supportive of trade.”
Trade Delegations to Iran and Afghanistan
Regarding her own experience visiting Afghanistan, Kargar said: “This past November, I traveled to Afghanistan for the first time through the ‘Abu Hanifa’ exhibition. It was a very positive and fascinating trip and left me with good memories, both for sightseeing and commercial activities. What I observed indicates that Afghanistan will experience significant commercial growth in the region in the coming years. The dynamism in industry, economy, and the spirit of the people is fully evident, and many Afghans, even outside the country, are seeking to start businesses and industrial activities in Afghanistan, which is truly impactful.”
Regarding the presence of Afghan delegations at trade events in Iran, she added: “We have so far witnessed high-level Afghan delegations at exhibitions in Tehran, which is a matter of pride. Our aim is to enable Iranian companies, with a better understanding of Afghanistan’s current market, to participate more actively in these trade events.”
From Abu Hanifa to Iran Expo
Kargar noted that the annual Abu Hanifa exhibition in Afghanistan is an important international event, with Iran always having a strong pavilion. As these events become more specialized and internationally oriented, Iranian companies can participate more effectively.
She also spoke about domestic events in Iran: “The annual ‘Iran Expo,’ held every year in Ordibehesht (April-May), provides another opportunity for Afghan delegations to actively participate. The Iran-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce plays a very active role in this regard. In the 2024 and 2025 Expo exhibitions, the joint chamber had one of the most visited pavilions. This success is due to the efforts of Afghan traders and the active participation of Iranian companies and visitors, providing an excellent opportunity for specialized interaction.”
Existing Challenges in Trade
In conclusion, Neda Kargar said: “At the Iran-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, we closely monitor trade with Afghanistan, border issues, transit, and existing challenges in commerce. Our goal is to ensure that Afghan traders and Iranian companies maintain continuous and effective contact with us so that we can address commercial issues and challenges professionally and create conditions for growth in trade and joint investment.”
She noted that in recent years, economic relations between Iran and Afghanistan have been strengthened by the growing presence of Afghan businesspeople in Iran. Many Afghans have progressed from internships and small-scale activities to owning independent businesses, bringing their technical knowledge and expertise back to their country. The joint chamber’s work facilitates collaboration between Iranian and Afghan traders, reducing barriers to transit, exports, and investment. These collaborations create opportunities for Afghanistan’s industrial development and a golden opportunity to expand Iranian exports.
