This year, 421,000 tons of export goods, valued at more than $447 million, have been exported from Kandahar to Pakistan, India, China, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Sweden, Iran, Turkey, and Germany.
Officials from the Kandahar Chamber of Commerce and Investment say that, in addition to fresh and dried fruits, the exported goods also include legumes, minerals, vegetables, and animal products.
According to local officials in Kandahar, despite road closures, the volume of exports has not decreased compared to last year.
Abdul Baqi Bina, Deputy of the Kandahar Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said: “Over the past eleven months, we have had good exports from Kandahar. The total volume of exports is 421,758 tons, with a total value of $447,163,000, the majority of which consists of dried fruits.”
On the other hand, several dried fruit exporters in Kandahar have called for expanding trade relations with other countries instead of relying on Pakistan.
Abdul Mateen, a dried fruit exporter, said: “If an alternative route to Pakistan is not found, this issue will not be resolved, as Pakistan always creates obstacles for us in the export sector.”
Mohammad Yaqoob, another dried fruit exporter, stated: “First, the export challenges with Pakistan must be resolved. If these problems persist, agreements should be made with other countries to ensure a secure and stable export and import process.”
Sayed Mohammad Agha, a dried fruit exporter, said: “Our largest market for dried fruits is India, but we export through Pakistan. However, Pakistan constantly blocks our trade routes. Meanwhile, our agricultural production is increasing day by day.”
Officials from the Kandahar Chamber of Commerce and Investment state that, at present, in addition to Pakistan, trade relations with several Central Asian countries are also expanding.
