Afghanistan is increasing trade through Iran and Central Asia as tensions with Pakistan close key borders. Chabahar port is helping Afghan traders avoid delays. The shutdown has caused major losses, especially for perishable goods and dried fruit exporters

Kabul: As border tensions with Pakistan continue to escalate, Afghanistan is leaning more heavily on trade routes through Iran and Central Asia to reduce dependence on the eastern neighbour, the Afghan media reported on Saturday.

Afghanistan’s leading news outlet, Ariana News, quoted a Reuters report, saying that Abdul Salam Jawad Akhundzada, a spokesman for the commerce ministry, has confirmed that, in the past six months, Kabul’s trade with Iran has reached $1.6 billion, higher than the $1.1 billion exchanged with Pakistan.

Akhundz

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