KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghan officials say a new opportunity has emerged for Afghanistan to make use of the vast potential of Iran's Chabahar port, which could help boost exports, facilitate transit and pave the way for the country to become a regional transit hub.

Meanwhile, representatives of the Kabul Dry Fruit Exporters Union say exports through Chabahar port are currently running smoothly, with no problems is shipments to India.

Director of the Office of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) Mohammadullah Bakhtyar told a meeting on Chabahar port's transit potential in Kabul that utilising Iran's transit routes- particularly the Chabahar Free Economic Zone- was of strategic importance as it provided Afghanistan with access to open seas.

“In previous years, certain non-economic restrictions and sensitivities hindered the development of Afghanistan's trade and transit initiatives. But now, a new opportunity has arisen to use Chabahar port's vast potential for boosting exports, facilitating transit and turning Afghanistan into a regional transit country,” he added.

He noted that Afghanistan would benefit from various incentives at Chabahar Port, including a 100 percent tax exemption for up to 20 years on capital and income, one-month free storage for transit goods, a 33 percent discount on container unloading and 77 percent on loading compared to other Iranian ports, a 50 percent discount on Afghan exports and imports and a 60-day tax exemption on mineral materials.

Mohammad Hashim Omari, an adviser to the ministry, said more than ten visits by Afghan and Iranian officials and experts had been conducted to activate Chabahar Port and resolve existing issues, resulting in tangible improvements.

He added that Chabahar Port provided a secure route for Afghanistan's access to the open waters of the Persian Gulf and played a vital role not only in reducing transport costs but also in increasing Afghanistan's trade with India, the middle east, central and south Asia, Africa, Europe and America.

Abdul Qasim Amarkhail, head of the Kabul Dry Fruit Exporters Union, said Afghan exports through Chabahar Port were progressing well.

He noted that goods that previously took two months to reach India now arrive within 20 days.

“Exports are going well-our union currently has 150 containers en route, and this number may rise to 200 within two weeks. The Chabahar route offers a great opportunity, and there are no problems in exports to India,” he said.

Union member Mohammad Isa Khpalwak also described Chabahar Port as vital for Afghanistan and suggested that the country should obtain membership in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to enhance its maritime trade capabilities.

He further proposed establishing a major logistics centre at Chabahar to better organise operations and installing scanners at the trade crossing in Nimroz province to prevent unprofessional handling of goods.

kk/ma

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