TOLOnews
Private sector officials in Herat say exports of locally produced goods increased by 97 percent during the month of Mizan (September 23 to October 22), compared with the previous month.
At a press conference, officials from various private sector organizations attributed the increase to improvements in the quality of domestic products.
Abdul Naser Amin, head of the Herat Chamber of Industries and Mines, said: “Our exports include mineral stones, oil and gas tankers, cakes, biscuits and other products manufactured in the industrial park.”
Meanwhile, the Herat Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock reported a 30 percent increase in agricultural and livestock product exports during Mizan.
According to the chamber, 41 types of agricultural and livestock products worth nearly $37 million were exported to various countries during the month.
Bashir Ahmad Bahaduri, head of the Herat Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock, said: “Exports increased during the months of Sunbula and Mizan, with around 41 types of products, including fresh and dried fruits, exported to different countries.”
Despite the growth in exports, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East remains a major challenge for Afghanistan's access to international markets.
Toryalai Ghawsi, an industrialist, said: “Border closures are a major challenge, while the Lapis Lazuli Corridor is a long route with limited cargo transportation.”
Private sector officials added that improvements in product quality have increased international demand for Afghan-made goods.
According to figures from the Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment, the province's exports have increased by more than 70 percent so far this solar year compared with the same period last year.