Afghanistan’s fig exports saw a significant rise in the year 1403 (April 20, 2024 – March 19, 2025), with shipments valued at over $165 million sent to various countries.According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, this marks a notable increase compared to the previous year, 1402.The ministry reports that 32,814 metric tons of figs were exported in 1403 to countries including India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Oman, Qatar, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Netherlands, generating over 165 million USD in export value.Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, stated: “Fig exports in 1403 amounted to 32,814 tons, valued at over 165 million dollars, with the majority going to India, Pakistan, the UAE, the US, Oman, Qatar, the UK, Canada, and the Netherlands.”However, the Chamber of Commerce and Investment and the Dry Fruit Exporters’ Union have highlighted key obstacles to expanding dried fruit exports—especially figs. These include banking limitations, visa issues, and the lack of standard processing facilities.Mirzaman Popal, acting head of finance and administration at the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, told TOLOnews: “There should be investment in fig processing and packaging within the country. We also call on international partners to support our traders and investors in the packaging sector.”Khalid Rahmani, spokesperson for the Kabul Dry Fruit Exporters’ Union, said: “If business challenges such as lack of export facilities and visa delays are resolved, we can confidently say that exports of dried fruits, especially figs, will increase.”Figs are considered one of Afghanistan’s key horticultural products and have recently become an important export commodity, shipped both fresh and dried to various global markets. (ICE Doha)

Fonte notizia: Tolo News