A number of fig producers called on the Islamic Emirate to provide them with better opportunities to sell their products in the world’s markets.
They said that although Kandahar and Zabul’s figs are exported to Pakistan and India, there are no markets for this fruit in other countries.
“The Islamic Emirate should talk to the foreign traders and countries at the international level and make contracts with them,” said Haji Abdul Jamil, a trader.
“Our figs should be exported to foreign countries such as Germany, Dubai and other countries,” said Sayed Wali, a shopkeeper.
Meanwhile, officials at the chamber of commerce and investment of Kandahar said that this year more than 50,000 tons of fruit, including 15,000 tons of figs, have been exported.
The officials also said problems in the banking system is causing challenges.
“Our exports have stopped due to the closure of banks and around $100 million of the money of the goods that have been exported are still not paid for by the Indian traders,” said Abdulbaqi Bana, deputy director of Kandahar chamber of commerce and investment.
Currently, Pakistan and India are the major markets for Kandahar and Zabul figs.
According to the fig’s producers, this year’s figs were good in terms of quality and price, but they urged the Islamic Emirate to help them send their fruits to the global markets.
According to statistics, around 200,000 tons of fruit are exported to Pakistan and Indian markets annually, but the process of transit to Pakistan has been repeatedly slowed or fully stopped at the crossings between the countries.
