IRAN DAILY
Fwb. 01, 2011
Iranian and Afghan ministers agreed to boost the two neighboring countries’ cooperation in energy and economic fields.
Iranian Oil Minister Masoud Mirkazemi stated that according to an agreement between the two neighboring states Tehran will export two million liters of oil products to Afghanistan in 2011.
Speaking at a meeting with Afghan Minister of Finance Omar Zakhilwan and Minister of Economy Abdul Hadi Arghandiwal, the Iranian minister noted that the two sides decided that a portion of Afghans diesel oil and gasoline demands be supplied by Iran, Fars News Agency reported.
The two Afghan ministers also met with Iranian Minister of Economy and Finance Shamseddin Hosseini.
Hosseini said that the two sides sketched out a financial cooperation guideline.
Hosseini added that new measures in customs affairs will be taken to boost bilateral trade and balance the level of transactions.
He reiterated that two sides are ready to increase investments in various areas.
He pointed out that trade between the two countries reached over $1 billion last year, adding Iran will cooperate in expanding infrastructure in Afghanistan by building roads, railroads and power plants
Iran and Afghanistan enjoy expanding ties and cooperation and observers believe that the good achievements gained in area of their mutual cooperation should be deemed as a result of the efforts made by the two countries’ officials.
Trade Fair in March
The first fair on Iran-Afghanistan trade will be held in Tehran during March 6-7.
The event aims to create new opportunities for exports, introduce Iranian commodities and services, and help promote bilateral trade, IRNA reported
Foodstuff, construction materials, oil, gas, petrochemical products, electricity, hygienic and cosmetic products, home appliances, garments, and shoes will be showcased in the two-day event.
In addition, joint commissions to examine opportunities and obstacles for exports to Afghanistan will be held during the event.
The trade volume between Iran and Afghanistan reached $1 billion during March-December 2010, of which 99 percent accounted for Iran’s exports.
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