Iran plans contract farming, supply deals to fix trade gap
Iran plans to increase imports from Afghanistan through contract farming and supply agreements for key agricultural goods, a move aimed at narrowing a huge trade imbalance as Tehran exports $3 billion annually to Kabul but imports only $100 million, the head of the Iran-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce said.
Mahmoud Sadat, speaking to ILNA, said Afghanistan lacked significant export capacity in industry and mining, but held strong potential in agriculture, livestock, and horticulture.
“There are good capacities in Afghanistan in agriculture, livestock, and horticulture for Iran,” he said.
Sadat noted that Iran would increase Afghan imports from needed goods such as cotton, meat, animal feed, sesame, legumes, and similar items.
He acknowledged the trade imbalance had long drawn objections from Afghan officials.
“Our major problem with Afghanistan is the imbalance between exports and imports,” he said, adding that Afghan authorities consistently urged Iran to buy more from their country.
Beyond trade, Sadat said the initiative aims to “help create employment and boost security in Afghanistan” by integrating its agricultural output into Iran’s supply chains through structured, long-term agreements.