Mahmoud Siadat, Chairman of the Iran-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce said on Tuesday that over 50% of foreign-registered companies in Iran belong to Afghan citizens.

Siadat mentioned that Afghan traders have invested more than USD 3 billion in Iran.

According to Iran's Student News Agency (ISNA), this official noted, "Today, over 50% of foreign companies registered in Iran are Afghan companies." He added that "the largest foreign investors in Iran are also Afghans”.

Following the fall of Kabul to the Taliban in August 2021, Afghan businessmen have extensively invested in Iran. This indicates Afghan merchants’ trust in Iran's business environment.

In an interview with ISNA, the chairman of the Iran-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce emphasised on the importance of private organisations in facilitating trade with Afghanistan and the operation of the joint chamber between the two countries.

Siadat called for supporting Afghan entrepreneurs and leveraging their capabilities to grow the economies of both Afghanistan and Iran.

He stated, "The issues of Afghans in Iran must be addressed. They are our greatest asset for Iran's future in Afghanistan."

Following the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, many Afghan businessmen and investors have moved their companies and a significant portion of their capital to various countries, including Iran.

However, the Taliban says that they have created an environment conducive to investment for both domestic and foreign investors in Afghanistan and are working to encourage Afghan businessmen to transfer their investments back to Afghanistan.