Iran Eyes Investment in Helmand’s Cotton and Mineral Sectors

In Kandahar, Iran’s consul, Mohammad Reza, said after meeting with local officials and investors from Helmand that his country is interested in facilitating joint investment and trade between Helmand and Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan and South Khorasan provinces, particularly in the sectors of semi-precious stones and cotton.

According to Reza, they are currently assessing these economic opportunities.

He said: “Helmand has agricultural products, cotton, raw stones, as well as dried fruits and other products, and Iran is also interested in purchasing these goods.”

Local investors in Helmand also say the Iranian consul has promised that, in addition to joint investment, he will help facilitate the export of Helmand’s cotton to several Asian countries.

Head of the Helmand Chamber of Commerce and Investment, Ghulam Yahya Pashtun, said: “Traders from Helmand and Iran should establish joint factories and engage in joint investments.”

A Helmand-based investor, Ruhullah Barak, said: “Helmand is an agricultural province and we have many agricultural products. The Iranian consul has said he will help market cotton and export it from Iran to other countries.”

Iran is currently the only country in the region with extensive trade relations with Afghanistan.

Iranian officials have stated that they seek to further strengthen their ties with Afghanistan.