Monday January 18, 2016
Kabul (BNA) In an exclusive interview head of Afghanistan Investment Support Agency (AISA), Mohammad Qurban Haqjo said, ‘Chabahar Port plays key role to Afghanistan and we should have many alternatives and business options to continue our transit ties with neighboring and regional countries’. Can Chabahar be an alternative to Karachi port and Bandar Abbas?
Replying to the question, Haqjo said, ‘Afghanistan has currently good trade ties with other countries, and any way to Afghanistan gets open to business is imperative to us.’ By passing each year, Afghanistan’s trade level is getting increased, as during 70 and 80 of solar years, the Afghan merchants did about $1.5 billion business that now has reached to more than $13 billion, Haqjo continued. By utilizing Chabahar port, the level of Afghanistan’s business and exports would further enhance which is in the benefit of all countries, Haqjo further said. To beef up Afghanistan’s economy and those countries willing to invest on Chabahar, head of AISA asks Iran government to step up in building infrastructures of the port, because in creates economic convergence. What facilities have been considered to Afghan merchants to use this port?
Responding to the question, Haqjo said, ‘Chabahar port is closer to west and southwest of Afghanistan then Karachi port.’ But if we consider northeast and south parts of Afghanistan, Chabahar port is a free economic region, and whoever invests there won’t pay tax until 20 years, Haqjo added. As well as, long-term stay will be given to them and their families, and also Iran government has allocated 50 hectares of land to Afghans. More than 110 Afghani companies have registered in Chabahar port and around 430 Afghans are living with their families there. Therefore, this port would have a good future to Afghanistan, Haqjo went on to say. A number of experts believe that Chabahar plays important role to Afghanistan. This is while that in his recent trip to Iran, Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah visited Chabahar Port.
Shukria Kohistani
