TEHRAN - Iranian Commerce Minister Masoud Mirkazemi said in a meeting with his Afghan counterpart in Tehran on Tuesday that his country is prepared to help Afghanistan develop its economic infrastructure.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has well advanced in the automotive, agricultural, constructional, and hygienic sectors,” Mirkazemi said, adding Afghanistan can benefit from Iranians expertise towards development.
He suggested the establishment of joint economic committees to look into and remove the obstacles on the way of two-way trade, the Mehr News Agency reported.
Afghan Commerce Minister Wahidullah Shahrani expressed interest in expanding economic ties with Iran, emphasizing on the implementation of the previously signed agreements.
He proposed a preferential trade system to be established between the two countries.
IRNA quoted Chairman of Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries Mohammad Qorban Haqju as saying that Iran’s exports to Afghanistan stood at $800 million in 2008.
Iran imported $4 million worth of products including fresh and dried fruits, minerals, precious stones, and spices from the neighboring country. He said that Iran exported oil products, cement, construction material, carpets, home appliances, and detergents.
Photo: Afghan Minister for Commerce Wahidullah Shahrani (L) talks to Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki during a meeting in Tehran June 30, 2009. (Photo by Mehr