The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Fruit exports from southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province reached nearly $429 million during the 1404 solar year, according to the Taliban-run Chamber of Commerce and Investment in the province.
The chamber said Kandahar exported 182,381 metric tons of fruit worth $428.86 million to international markets during the year.
Deputy Chamber Chief Abdul Baqi Bina said the exports included 101,385 metric tons of dried fruit and 80,996 metric tons of fresh fruit.
According to Bina, the fruit was exported to several countries, including India, Qatar, Russia, China and Central Asian nations.
The figures underscore Kandahar's continued role as one of Afghanistan's key agricultural export hubs, particularly for fresh and dried fruits.
Meanwhile, traders say fruit production is expected to remain strong this year. However, they have urged the Taliban to facilitate alternative and more efficient trade routes to help Afghan products reach international markets more quickly and at lower cost.
Business representatives say improved transportation and export channels could boost competitiveness and increase access to foreign markets for Afghan agricultural products.
