TEHRAN, Nov. 20 (Mehr News Agency) -- Afghanistan's commerce minister called on Iranian companies to invest in oil, gas and mining sectors of that country.

Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported Wahidullah Shahrani met with Iranian First Vice President Mohammadreza Rahimi in Afghanistan on Thursday on the sidelines of Afghan President Hamid Karzai''s inauguration ceremony.

Shahrani requested holding a joint Iran-Afghanistan economic committee conference in Tehran.

Rahimi pointed to the commonalities between Tehran and Kabul in various fields, adding, "Iranian investment firms are ready to work in Afghanistan and we will take necessary measures to increase commercial relations between the two countries."

Iran is the fourth largest investor in Afghanistan. Iranian investments have been made on construction of roads and bridges, energy, agriculture and health care.

According to the chairman of Afghanistan chamber of commerce and industries, Iran's exports to Afghanistan, including oil products, cement, construction material, carpets, home appliances, and detergents in 2008 stood at $800 million. Iran imported $4 million worth of products like fresh and dried fruits, minerals, precious stones, and spices from the neighboring country.

... Payvand News - 11/20/09 ... --

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