Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, the Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, led a high-level delegation today, Friday at the Milak border, alongside Bijar, the governor of Sistan and Baluchestan in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The meeting aimed to enhance economic relations, bolster bilateral trade, and increase transit capacities between the two countries, as reported by BNA.
During the discussions, both sides reviewed the current state of trade and transit at the Milak-Silk border, emphasizing the removal of existing barriers and the enhancement of operational cooperation. Minister Azizi underscored the strategic significance of the Milak border in connecting Afghanistan to regional markets and advocated for improved facilities for traders and commercial vehicles.
Key topics of the meeting included strengthening customs relations and inter-provincial cooperation between Afghanistan’s Nimroz province and Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province to expedite the clearance process and minimize vehicle stoppages. Attracting joint investments in industrial, commercial, and transit sectors, alongside border development projects and infrastructure improvements to enhance the capacity for receiving and exporting goods. Increasing the traffic of commercial vehicles on the Milak border to over 1,000 vehicles per day, aimed at strengthening the flow of goods and reducing congestion.Addressing trade restrictions and proposing solutions to accelerate trade processes.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to continue joint meetings and establish technical teams to follow up on the discussed issues, working collaboratively towards sustainable development in trade and transit. They expressed their commitment to expanding economic cooperation based on shared interests and facilitating further trade and investment.
Additionally, a short, temporary dirt road for the movement of commercial vehicles from both sides was inaugurated, marking a significant step towards strengthening economic relations between Afghanistan and Iran, and providing enhanced facilities for businessmen and investors in both countries.
