Afghan officials say a fresh opportunity has emerged for Afghanistan to leverage the vast potential of Iran’s Chabahar Port, a move expected to boost exports, streamline transit, and support the country’s ambition to become a regional trade hub.
At a meeting in Kabul on the port’s transit potential, Director of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s Office, Mohammadullah Bakhtyar, said utilising Iran’s transit corridors—particularly the Chabahar Free Economic Zone—was strategically important as it offered Afghanistan direct access to open seas.
“In previous years, certain non-economic restrictions and sensitivities hindered 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,” Bakhtyar said.
He highlighted several incentives available to Afghanistan at Chabahar Port, including a 100 percent tax exemption for up to 20 years on capital and income, one-month free storage for transit cargo, a 33 percent discount on container unloading, a 77 percent discount on loading compared to other Iranian ports, a 50 percent discount on Afghan exports and imports, and a 60-day tax exemption on mineral shipments.
Mohammad Hashim Omari, an adviser to the ministry, noted that more than ten joint visits by Afghan and Iranian officials and experts have helped activate Chabahar Port and address longstanding challenges, leading to visible improvements.
He said the port not only offers a secure route for Afghanistan to access the Persian Gulf but also plays a crucial role in reducing transport costs and expanding trade with India, the Middle East, Central and South Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.
Exporters also reported positive developments. Abdul Qasim Amarkhail, head of the Kabul Dry Fruit Exporters Union, said Afghan exports through Chabahar Port were progressing smoothly, with shipment timelines significantly reduced.
“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 described Chabahar Port as vital for Afghanistan’s economic future. He suggested seeking membership in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to strengthen the country’s maritime trade capabilities.
He further recommended establishing a major logistics centre at Chabahar to streamline operations and installing scanners at the Nimroz trade crossing to prevent unprofessional handling of goods.
