Tehran, Kabul eye rail corridor expansion, mining ties
Tehran and Kabul emphasized the development of rail corridors, joint mining investments and technical knowledge transfer during a joint meeting focused on strengthening economic cooperation.
The meeting, held in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad, brought together senior officials from Iran's Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, Afghanistan's Ministry of Industries and Mines, and economic actors from both countries, ILNA reported on Saturday.
The two sides stressed the importance of developing rail transport corridors as one of the most critical infrastructures for facilitating regional trade, and examined existing capacities for connecting and expanding the two countries' transportation networks.
Joint investment opportunities in Afghanistan's mining sector, particularly in exploration, extraction and mineral processing, were among the key topics of the summit.
Saeed Zarandi, CEO of Mobarakeh Steel Company, affirmed the group's readiness to participate in Afghanistan's development projects, transfer technical knowledge and cooperate on infrastructure and mining initiatives.
Noting Mobarakeh Steel's capabilities and experience in the mining value chain and mineral industries, Zarandi said the development of transport infrastructure, particularly rail networks, could pave the way for increased trade exchanges, reduced logistics costs and strengthened economic ties in the region.
"The synergy between Afghanistan's mining capacities and Iran's industrial capabilities will create valuable opportunities for economic growth, job creation and sustainable development in both countries," he added.