Kafra Holds Talks to Expand Refractory Product Exports
The Iranian Refractories Company (KAFRA), a subsidiary of Sadr Tamin Investment Company (TASICO), has engaged with government officials and business leaders in Afghanistan to explore opportunities for industrial cooperation, technical knowledge transfer, and facilitating exports of refractory products.
As part of its strategy to expand international markets and strengthen trade relations between Iran and Afghanistan, Hirad Abbaszadeh, CEO of the Iranian Refractories Company (KAFRA), participated in the Afghanistan International Exhibition. During his visit, he reviewed the country’s industrial capabilities and held a series of specialized meetings with Afghan officials and business leaders.
During the visit, the KAFRA CEO met with Abdulrahman Atash, Head of Afghanistan’s National Development Authority, to discuss potential areas of joint cooperation and the transfer of technical know-how in the refractory industry.
A key component of the visit was a series of bilateral meetings with the CEOs of major Afghan steel companies, including Mihan Steel, Mellat Steel and Khan Steel. The meetings focused on identifying the technical requirements of Afghanistan’s steel industry and presenting advanced refractory solutions aimed at improving production efficiency across these facilities.
Abbaszadeh also met with Ahmad Nabizada, Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Industries and Mines, to discuss challenges facing exports and emphasize the importance of greater cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries in overcoming industrial and trade barriers.
As part of the programme, the KAFRA CEO also attended a reception hosted by the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Afghanistan, where he met with the Iranian Ambassador and exchanged views on ways to facilitate bilateral trade. The discussions addressed challenges related to foreign exchange transactions and export logistics, with consultations held on potential solutions to these issues and accelerating trade processes.
Commenting on the Afghan market, Hirad Abbaszadeh, CEO of the Iranian Refractories Company (KAFRA), said:
> “During our field visits to the market and distribution warehouses, we unfortunately observed products of very low quality reaching factories through intermediaries.
> “In some cases, suppliers have attempted to imitate the colours and design of our pallets in an effort to counterfeit the identity of the ‘Nasooz Iran’ brand. This demonstrates the strong need for specialized Iranian companies to establish a direct presence in the Afghan market and promote awareness of the genuine quality of refractory products.”
The visit, which received a positive response from business communities in both countries, represents a further step towards strengthening KAFRA’s position in Afghanistan’s growing market and deepening industrial and commercial relations between Iran and Afghanistan.