Afghanistan sends first export convoy to India via Iran

By Shadi Khan Saif

KABUL, Afghanistan (AA) - Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on Sunday inaugurated the landmark trade corridor with India via the Chabahar port of Iran with maiden consignment of exports.

Speaking on the occasion, Ghani said with the Chababar route to India and the Lapis Lazuli route to Europe via Turkey (established last month), Afghanistan has practically turned into “regional roundabout” for exchange of goods and ideas.

“Afghanistan is the heart of Asia, and it is turning into roundabout of Asia,” the evidently enthusiastic Ghani said.

The Afghan president hoped the country’s exports would double from the current estimated $1 billion in a year.

Officials told the inauguration ceremony in the border province of Nimroz that Afghan traders have invested up to $50 million in the Chabahar port.

The U.S. has exempted Iran's Chabahar port from sanctions in recognition of its importance to landlocked Afghanistan.

The first consignment of India-bound Afghan exports via the Iran has some 570 tons of goods, mainly the clay mineral talc and pulses.

Last week, The landmark trade convoy from Afghanistan to Europe via Turkey on the historic Lapis Lazuli route returned successfully bringing back medicine, solar panels and oil.