The World Bank has reported that Afghanistan’s exports from January 1 to September 1, 2024, have decreased by 14% compared to the same period last year.
According to the World Bank report, changes in Pakistan’s trade policies and increased taxes on fresh fruits and agricultural products from Afghanistan are among the main reasons for the decline in Afghanistan’s exports.
Based on this report, Afghanistan’s exports reached over $920 million by September 1.
Mirwais Haji Zada, one of the country’s traders, told TOLOnews regarding exports: “We must break free from dependency on one country and create alternatives. Every year, exports through the Torkham crossing and goods coming from the Karachi port are halted.”
However, the Chamber of Commerce and Investment said they are working to strengthen trade relations with Central Asian countries and India to boost exports.
“There is also an effort to have trade and transit in Central Asia, China, Russia, the Gulf, and Turkey, and day by day, our trade with India and Turkey is increasing, “said Khan Jan Alokozai, a board member of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment.
“Issues that help boost our trade include access to other markets, such as those in China, Moscow, Kazakhstan, and Dubai. Therefore, we should sign agreements with Uzbekistan, Iran, and other countries to ensure open access for our transit goods,” stated Another trader, Omid Haidari.
Meanwhile, the National Statistics and Information Authority announced on Wednesday that in the month of Mizan (22 September, 21 October) of the current solar year, transactions worth $1.4 billion were conducted with various countries, out of which $234 million was Afghanistan’s share of exports abroad.
