Afghan Customs Chief in Iran

EghtesadOnline: Director General of Afghanistan Customs Department Ahmad Reshad Popal, accompanied by a delegation of Afghan officials, arrived in Iran on Tuesday to hold talks with his Iranian counterpart, Mehdi Mir-Ashrafi.

News ID: ۷۸۴۷۹۵

31 July 2019

During the delegation's four-day visit, the two sides are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding on joint collaboration in electronic exchange of information between the customs of Iran and Afghanistan, ILNA reported.

The agreement is expected to ease commercial exchanges between the two neighboring countries.

The Afghan mission also plans to visit border customs terminals in Sistan-Baluchestan, Khorasan Razavi and South Khorasan provinces, Financial Tribune reported.

Afghanistan is a major export destination for Iranian products.

Data released by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration show Iran’s exports to Afghanistan during the last fiscal year (ended March 20, 2019).

Iran’s exports reached 5.67 million tons worth $2.92 billion, down 4.18% in tonnage and up 5.11% in value year-on-year.

Afghanistan was Iran’s fourth export destination during the year.

Iran mainly exported low-density oils, iron/steel bars and floorings to Afghanistan during the 12-month period.

Iran's imports from Afghanistan stood at 10,387 tons of goods worth $10.93 million, down 57.63% and 46.41% in tonnage and value respectively YOY. It was the 73rd exporter of goods to Iran over the year.

The imports mainly included sesame seeds, herbs used for perfume production and medical purposes, lead and camels.