Afghan Deputy Economy Minister Welcomes Proposed Free Trade Zone with Iran, China

Kabul (Afghan Verified) -- Abdul Latif Nazari, deputy minister of technical affairs at Afghanistan's Ministry of Economy, welcomed a proposed free trade zone between Afghanistan, Iran and China, stating it could strengthen economic growth and development for all three countries.

Nazari emphasized that Afghanistan supports any initiative leading to regional economic openness and sustainable growth. "Creating a free trade zone between Afghanistan, Iran and China can strengthen the economic growth and development of all three countries, and Afghanistan welcomes any action that leads to regional economic opening and sustainable economic growth," he said.

The plan, to be located in Iran's South Khorasan province, has been approved by Iran's president, according to the head of economic affairs for South Khorasan. Iranian media reported that Afghanistan and China have expressed readiness for investment and financial support. The zone is expected to connect the economic, commercial and transit capacities of the three countries, providing export and import opportunities, sustainable jobs for border residents, technology transfer and strengthened economic and security infrastructure.

Economic expert Qutbuddin Yaqubi said the zone could bring positive transformation to Iran-Afghanistan border areas through trade exchanges with China's participation. Other experts noted it could attract foreign investment and create sustainable employment.

Mohammad Nabi Afghan, another economic analyst, highlighted potential links to regional projects including CASA-1000, Afghan-Transit and TAPI, arguing it would reduce external interference in Afghanistan's economy and stability.

The initiative is seen as enhancing the three countries' positions in regional and global trade via developed supply chains, processing industries and logistics.