At the second joint meeting on economic and border cooperation with Afghanistan’s Farah Province, Iran’s Consul General in Herat Alireza Marhamati said on Tuesday that the two countries are working to address border issues, strengthen economic ties, and improve services for border communities. These initiatives, he added, could serve as a model for cooperation along other shared borders.
Medical tourism was a key focus of the discussions, he said, adding that officials from both sides are preparing a joint plan to facilitate medical treatment and visa services for Afghan citizens seeking healthcare in Iran. The Iranian side emphasized that the policy is not solely aimed at generating revenue but prioritizes helping Afghan patients access treatment.
Economic cooperation is also expanding in other sectors, the consul general said, noting that several Iranian delegations have visited Afghanistan to explore investment opportunities in agriculture, including cotton cultivation.
He added that in the livestock sector, two slaughterhouses built in Herat according to Iranian standards have been approved by Iranian representatives and are expected to begin operations soon. The official has also proposed the joint use of the Birjand slaughterhouse if live livestock is transferred to Iran.
According to Marhamati, plans are also under consideration to establish a joint border market that would allow residents of both countries’ border regions to trade goods more easily and support local economies.
Meanwhile, the head of the Birjand Chamber of Commerce said trade between the two countries through the Mahirud border crossing has exceeded $2.5 billion, with actual figures possibly higher according to Afghanistan’s estimates.
He stressed that improving customs procedures, transport systems, and private-sector cooperation could further boost bilateral trade and economic development in border regions.
