Afghanistan begins to export products directly to India for the first time

[p4kistan]

Finally the strong triangle is practical IRAN-AFGHANISTAN-INDIA now and the feeling of being sandwiched between Afghanistan and Indian by some of our Pakistani fellows is not good this achievement does not mean it will harm Pakistan in anyway!

puttar i'd like to see what your triangle is like once we close all trade from Afghanistan.

The Farsi won't dare harm pakistans interests, trade is trade, competition is good but if your so called triangle has ulterior motives know that we will nip it in the bud. Comprende.

PS future post 14 trade from afghanistan will have to be signed off by the Quetta shura.

 

[naseebkhanniazi]

I think it is good for region Pakistan need to work hard change old mindset work for good relation with all of its border country's and compet the economic race

 

[Serpentine]

Chabahar port enjoys great transit potential: Afghan ambassador


Afghan Ambassador to Tehran Nasir Ahmad Nour has underlined the importance of Iran’s southeastern Chabahar Free Trade Zone for the transit of commodities to Afghanistan, stating that the port enjoys great transit, tourism and investment potentials.


Speaking at a joint press conference with Managing Director of Chabahar Free Trade Zone Mostafa Malekzadeh on Tuesday, Ahmad Nour stated that Chabahar Port, given its direct access to high seas and security, is the best option for the transit of goods to Afghanistan and Central Asian countries.

“Afghanistan is willing to increase its trade transactions with Iran through Chabahar Port, and the Afghan government has laid special emphasis on this issue. Chabahar Free Zone has also prepared the grounds for the presence of Afghan investors through allocation of 50 hectares of land,” the Afghan ambassador stated.

Malekzadeh, for his part, said Chabahar Port is the most secure, most economical, and the the nearest access route for the transit of goods to Afghanistan.

He added that the free zone offers such facilities as a 20-year tax exemption, easy investment conditions and permission for foreign banks and insurance agencies to operate.

Last week, Afghan Minister of Commerce and Industry Anwar-ul-Haq Ahady complained that his country cannot make complete use of Pakistani ports for the transit of Indian goods to Afghanistan despite trade agreements signed between Kabul and Islamabad.

Chabahar port -- located 72 kilometers (44 miles) west of Pakistan's Gwadar Port -- holds immense strategic and economic significance for India.

The port is already connected to the city of Zaranj in Afghanistan's southwestern province of Nimruz and can serve as India's entry point to Afghanistan, Central Asia and beyond.

 

[notorious_eagle]

Why?

What India needs to do is make sure that our products reach there and Afghan minerals get to India.
Any way - even if that means bribing Talibs - is acceptable as long as the goal is accomplished.

You can't have your cake and eat it too.

You are leaving yourself too exposed based on Multiple 'What If' Scenarios. The reason why Chahbar can never reach its full potential and will likely be gutted in the future is because it is based in Iran. If the port is a full success and starts printing dollars for the Iranians, the Americans are never going to tolerate this intransigence. India has been very lucky to piggyback on American efforts, but if it wants to continue to keep its influence over there, it needs to step up its game. India is already on the verge of becoming a 'Non Entity' in Afghanistan. The US has already initiated stabilizing factors in Afghanistan which includes putting an end to Indian support for Hostile Anti Pakistan Elements. Its only a fools dream if India thinks she can get what it wants without putting in any effort whether its treasure or blood.

Sir ji this is blessing in disguise for Pakistan

may be now we can fence the border with afghanistan.

Janab

I completely agree with you, but the problem is this article is very misleading. This trade number is only a minuscule compared to the amount of trade that goes through Pakistan. First of all the success of the Chahbar port is divergent to US interests, and we have to admit the US is the top dog. Second, the Iranians are not nearly as accommodating as us when it comes to Afghanistan. We are the biggest morons because we charge the Afghans no duties or levies, they pay nothing for the wear and tear of our roads. Indirectly, we are subsidizing their trade by not charging them a dime for the use of our ports and our roads. Billions of rupees have to be allocated every year by the GOP to keep our roads in good condition.

 

[Capt.Popeye]

Chabahar port enjoys great transit potential: Afghan ambassador


Afghan Ambassador to Tehran Nasir Ahmad Nour has underlined the importance of Iran’s southeastern Chabahar Free Trade Zone for the transit of commodities to Afghanistan, stating that the port enjoys great transit, tourism and investment potentials.


Speaking at a joint press conference with Managing Director of Chabahar Free Trade Zone Mostafa Malekzadeh on Tuesday, Ahmad Nour stated that Chabahar Port, given its direct access to high seas and security, is the best option for the transit of goods to Afghanistan and Central Asian countries.

“Afghanistan is willing to increase its trade transactions with Iran through Chabahar Port, and the Afghan government has laid special emphasis on this issue. Chabahar Free Zone has also prepared the grounds for the presence of Afghan investors through allocation of 50 hectares of land,” the Afghan ambassador stated.

Malekzadeh, for his part, said Chabahar Port is the most secure, most economical, and the the nearest access route for the transit of goods to Afghanistan.

He added that the free zone offers such facilities as a 20-year tax exemption, easy investment conditions and permission for foreign banks and insurance agencies to operate.

Last week, Afghan Minister of Commerce and Industry Anwar-ul-Haq Ahady complained that his country cannot make complete use of Pakistani ports for the transit of Indian goods to Afghanistan despite trade agreements signed between Kabul and Islamabad.

Chabahar port -- located 72 kilometers (44 miles) west of Pakistan's Gwadar Port -- holds immense strategic and economic significance for India.

The port is already connected to the city of Zaranj in Afghanistan's southwestern province of Nimruz and can serve as India's entry point to Afghanistan, Central Asia and beyond.

All of that is very true. Both Iran and Chah Bahar can a play a very important role in helping to stabilise and then reconstruct Afghanistan. Then later to help Afghanistan earn revenue to get its economy moving along independantly. Iran has a major role to play in the region; and as I said earlier countries that ignore Iran will do so at their own cost.

Right now it is trade between India and Afghanistan that is taking off. Once the rail link from Chah Bahar to Afghanistan's border is done other countries will line upto use the link, even EU and USA. And if Balochistan does not get stable and secured; then China will need a transport link to amortize its investments in Afghanistan. Chah Bahar!!!
Things can only get better for Chah Bahar from here on.

 

[Serpentine]

All of that is very true. Both Iran and Chah Bahar can a play a very important role in helping to stabilise and then reconstruct Afghanistan. Then later to help Afghanistan earn revenue to get its economy moving along independantly. Iran has a major role to play in the region; and as I said earlier countries that ignore Iran will do so at their own cost.

Right now it is trade between India and Afghanistan that is taking off. Once the rail link from Chah Bahar to Afghanistan's border is done other countries will line upto use the link, even EU and USA. And if Balochistan does not get stable and secured; then China will need a transport link to amortize its investments in Afghanistan. Chah Bahar!!!
Things can only get better for Chah Bahar from here on.

The construction of Chabahar-Milk (Town in Afghan border) is in progress.
According to Iran's railway map, the blue line (Chabahar-Zahedan) construction started 2 years ago and it should complete in 6 months (if no delays or setbacks happen).
The pink line is in study phase and it will be built much faster because if I remember well, India is going to participate in its construction. They can build all of the line in 1 year if they are serious, but with normal process, it would be 2 years, which is not bad. But after it's complete, this port can be used to transport Indian goods and also exports from Far East countries to Central Asia, Russia and even Europe (since the railway is connected to national railway system), in addition to Afghanistan. The railway will go further to Turkmenistan border.

 

[BATMAN]

Some old memories of Pakistan, ruled by traitors.

 

[Contrarian]

You can't have your cake and eat it too.

You are leaving yourself too exposed based on Multiple 'What If' Scenarios. The reason why Chahbar can never reach its full potential and will likely be gutted in the future is because it is based in Iran. If the port is a full success and starts printing dollars for the Iranians, the Americans are never going to tolerate this intransigence. India has been very lucky to piggyback on American efforts, but if it wants to continue to keep its influence over there, it needs to step up its game. India is already on the verge of becoming a 'Non Entity' in Afghanistan. The US has already initiated stabilizing factors in Afghanistan which includes putting an end to Indian support for Hostile Anti Pakistan Elements. Its only a fools dream if India thinks she can get what it wants without putting in any effort whether its treasure or blood.

Nope.
If Afghanistan goes up in flames - there is exactly one nation that will suffer - that is Pakistan.

You bank on US not only making sure that India does not trade using the Iranian port, you also bank on US curtailing Indian activities in Afghanistan.

I believe you are mistaken on the former and the latter.

US does not care what happens to and in Afghanistan after 2014. US still wants Pakistan to be in the doghouse. India achieves that for US using Afghanistan.

As for the former - you greatly over estimate US's influence on India.
The only reason that India's lowered purchases of oil from Iran is because there is no god forsaken way to pay Iran. Iran already now buys goods from India as payment for the oil that India purchases - and there is a limit to what Iran can buy from India in kind.

The only way for US to stall India's plan in Iran is for US to offer something that India cannot refuse - like US offered nuclear deal, and the price was to let IPI go along with purchases from US(civil/military/nuclear).

 

[Capt.Popeye]

The construction of Chabahar-Milk (Town in Afghan border) is in progress.
According to Iran's railway map, the blue line (Chabahar-Zahedan) construction started 2 years ago and it should complete in 6 months (if no delays or setbacks happen).
The pink line in in study phase and it will be built much faster because if I remember well, India is going to participate in its construction. They can build all of the line in 1 year if they are serious, but with normal process, it would be 2 years, which is not bad. But after it's complete, this port can be used to transport Indian goods and also exports from Far East countries to Central Asia, Russia and even Europe (since the railway is connected to national railway system), in addition to Afghanistan. The railway will go further to Turkmenistan border.

That is great news!! Thanks especially for the map. It helps to understand the perspective.
I am aware of the fact that India is involved in the construction of the railway line and will slso be involved in its operation.
This is a great opportunity for Iran to reclaim its position on the world stage. Iran's activities in helping to stabilise and reconstruct Afghanistan can only help to boost Iran's stature. That has already been the subject of discussions between Russia, Iran and India; both multi-laterally and bilaterally. Even China is in favor of that, because China also seeks a stable Afghanistan; given its large investments there. The EU is also pushing favorably. All of this has been talked over at various times with USA. As the relations between USA and Iran normalise (which is inevitable however slowly); the regional scenario will change. Those trends seem to be showing. Let us see now.

 

[Capt.Popeye]

Nope.
If Afghanistan goes up in flames - there is exactly one nation that will suffer - that is Pakistan.

You bank on US not only making sure that India does not trade using the Iranian port, you also bank on US curtailing Indian activities in Afghanistan.

I believe you are mistaken on the former and the latter.

US does not care what happens to and in Afghanistan after 2014. US still wants Pakistan to be in the doghouse. India achieves that for US using Afghanistan.

As for the former - you greatly over estimate US's influence on India.
The only reason that India's lowered purchases of oil from Iran is because there is no god forsaken way to pay Iran. Iran already now buys goods from India as payment for the oil that India purchases - and there is a limit to what Iran can buy from India in kind.

The only way for US to stall India's plan in Iran is for US to offer something that India cannot refuse - like US offered nuclear deal, and the price was to let IPI go along with purchases from US(civil/military/nuclear).

IMO, some additions/corrections may be in order there.
Chah bahar has been operationalised with the tacit approval of the US just as Indo-Afghan trade through Chah Bahar has its tacit approval.
There is a reason for that. USA is trying to cover all bases post 2014. Some of them can be done indirectly; without the USA geeting involved or taking any flak. Just as Iran can do it without getting compromised.

About India's oil imports from Iran. They were in fact reduced due to payment issues. However USA set up the alternate sources viz. KSA. But the idea is not and will not be to completely eliminate Iranian supplies. So the barter arrangements were set up. Do you think that USA does not know or care about that alternate arrangement?

There are some reconstruction/rejig of "regional arrangements" going on now. Wait and see how it plays out. The wait is not likely to be long. Many players have worked behind the scenes towards this end.

 

[farhan_9909]

How the hell can 1 compare Gwadar with chabahar

Afghanistan GDP is 20billions dollars.and there overall trade is less than few billions dollars.

Pakistan counts for 70% of there export and 40% of imports

Gwadar on the other hand if alone china use the port.they have trade with middle east worth 210billions dollars as of 2010-11 and msut be close to 300billions dollars now

Chabahar annual trade line would be a couple of billions dollars while gwadar in excess of half a trillion dollars

 

[Serpentine]

How the hell can 1 compare Gwadar with chabahar

Afghanistan GDP is 20billions dollars.and there overall trade is less than few billions dollars.

Pakistan counts for 70% of there export and 40% of imports

Gwadar on the other hand if alone china use the port.they have trade with middle east worth 210billions dollars as of 2010-11 and msut be close to 300billions dollars now

Chabahar annual trade line would be a couple of billions dollars while gwadar in excess of half a trillion dollars

Half a trillion? You mean the same size of Pakistan's GDP? Only from one port? I don't think this is true, unless you provide some proof.

 

[Capt.Popeye]

puttar i'd like to see what your triangle is like once we close all trade from Afghanistan.

The Farsi won't dare harm pakistans interests, trade is trade, competition is good but if your so called triangle has ulterior motives know that we will nip it in the bud. Comprende.

PS future post 14 trade from afghanistan will have to be signed off by the Quetta shura.

HeHeHe; I like your "style" though you are singularly devoid of any "substance"!!!

You can try brow-beating @Sher Malang by that Bluster. But how about our Iranian colleagues whom you dismissively term as "The Farsi". Let us hear them out. They are not waiting to dance to your tune, or are they?
@Serpentine; any comments?

 

[Roybot]

Half a trillion? You mean the same size of Pakistan's GDP? Only from one port? I don't think this is true, unless you provide some proof.

Pakistan's GDP is $210 Billion, so 2 times Pakistan's GDP.

 

[Contrarian]

How the hell can 1 compare Gwadar with chabahar

Afghanistan GDP is 20billions dollars.and there overall trade is less than few billions dollars.

Pakistan counts for 70% of there export and 40% of imports

Gwadar on the other hand if alone china use the port.they have trade with middle east worth 210billions dollars as of 2010-11 and msut be close to 300billions dollars now

Chabahar annual trade line would be a couple of billions dollars while gwadar in excess of half a trillion dollars

You dont get it do you?

Its not a competition between Gwadar and Chabahar as long as Iran is under international sanctions.

But regardless of those sanctions, it yields a breakthrough for Afghanistan as it gets a port apart from Pakistan to trade from, and it yields a breakthrough for India - which gets a port to trade with Afghanistan and CAR.

Even without being an international hit, Chabahar automatically undercuts Pakistani influence or dependence of other nations on Pakistan.

Yet be assured, that owing to better infrastructure in Iran, better trunk routes and coming connection of Chabahar to the Iranian national railway system, it would perform better than Gwadar when the sanctions are removed.