Iran Pledges $6B Investment in Afghanistan’s Transportation Infrastructure
Seyed Hossein Mirshafi, advisor and representative of Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development in infrastructure development and special projects, stated that his country is ready to invest $6 billion in Afghanistan’s transportation infrastructure.
In an interview with an Iranian media outlet, the advisor and representative of Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development further added that transportation cooperation with Afghanistan could strengthen the economic ties between the two countries.
Seyed Hossein Mirshafi stated: “In the joint commission between the two countries, we have announced our readiness to invest up to $6 billion in Afghanistan’s transportation infrastructure. Afghanistan is also a wealthy country with very rich resources.”
Meanwhile, the Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs of the Islamic Emirate, and Iran’s ambassador and special representative for Afghanistan, discussed the activation and development of the Chabahar Port, Afghanistan’s access to open waters, and the completion of Iran’s unfinished projects in Afghanistan.
Hamdullah Fitrat, the Deputy Spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, said about this meeting: “He [the Iranian official] highlighted Iran’s efforts to provide Afghanistan access to open waters through the expansion of Chabahar Port and promised to complete Iran’s incomplete health projects in Afghanistan.”
A number of economic experts consider the development and expansion of economic relations with Iran important for improving Afghanistan’s economic situation, emphasizing that Iran’s investment in Afghanistan’s transportation infrastructure is beneficial.
“Since Afghanistan is a good market for Iranian goods and can also be a good economic hub, Iran is interested in investing in Afghanistan’s infrastructure, especially in transportation. This can yield positive results for strengthening our ties with Iran,” Abdul Zuhoor Mudaber, an economic analyst, told TOLOnews.
Meanwhile, earlier this week, a delegation from the Islamic Emirate’s Ministry of Public Works traveled to Iran and held discussions with Iranian officials about developing railway connections.
