The National Statistics and Information Authority (NSIA) of Afghanistan has reported a significant rise in the country’s exports during the month of Mizan 1404.
Kabul 24: According to official figures, export value exceeded $270 million in this period, marking an increase of over $45 million compared to the previous month of Sonbola, when exports stood at nearly $230 million.
This achievement comes amid ongoing challenges faced by Afghan traders.Halim Rafi, spokesperson for the NSIA, provided detailed insights: “In the month of Sonbola 1404, the total export value of the country was $229.8 million.
Statistics show that in the month of Mizan 1404, export value increased by $45.1 million compared to Sonbola of the same year.” This approximately 20% growth signals promising economic improvement, particularly following recent years’ difficulties.Afghanistan’s primary exports were directed to India, Pakistan, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
Key exported goods include agricultural raw materials, dried fruits, saffron, precious stones, and carpets. In contrast, the highest imports originated from Iran, China, Pakistan, and the UAE, comprising items such as fuel, food products, machinery, and consumer goods.
This trade interaction highlights mutual regional economic dependencies.Despite the success, significant obstacles persist. Closed shared border crossings with Pakistan, international banking issues, and transportation barriers continue to hinder traders.
These problems not only inflate costs but also extend delivery times, diminishing the competitiveness of Afghan products.The Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock emphasizes the need to focus on domestic processing.
Wasim Safi, Chairman of the Chamber’s Board, stated: “To increase exports to European and American countries, systematic work on export preparation must be done from the initial stage to the final harvest of products.”
He added that investing in the value chain—including standard packaging, international certifications, and modern processing technologies—is essential for accessing advanced markets.This export growth could indicate Afghanistan’s untapped economic potential. By addressing barriers and making targeted investments, higher figures are achievable.
The government and private sector must collaborate closely to resolve infrastructure and banking issues, ensuring the positive trend’s sustainability. Ultimately, prioritizing quality and value addition will position Afghanistan as a stronger player in regional trade.
