An official from Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) said Friday that although a number of technical problems have not been resolved in Chabahar port, Afghan and Indian traders have started using the port for commercial purposes.
According to ACCI, the US sanctions also have negatively affected the port, but it has not caused the traders to become reluctant in trading through the port.
ACCI deputy head Khan Jan Alokozay said they are ready to send Afghanistan’s second export shipment to India via Chabahar and also a wheat shipment of 500 tons of rice from India has arrived at the port and soon the rice will enter in Afghanistan’s market.
“Around 500 tons of rice which were bought from India has arrived in Chabahar this week. Exports have also started through Chabahar,” Alokozay said.
Meanwhile, a number of economic analysts said Chabahar port can play a significant role in the expansion of trade between Afghanistan, Iran and India.
The experts said the involved governments should resolve the technical problems exist in the port.
“It is a big transit route and we also want to expand our trade ties with Iran. It is a big income source that connects Afghanistan with Iran and South Asia,” said Esmatullah Ishaqzai, an economic expert.
Before this, the Ministries of Transport and Public Work had said that the second export shipment includes dried fruits and precious stone.
Now the shipment is ready to leave the port for India.