Ghazni Exports 13,000 Tons of Dried Fruit Amid Infrastructure Challenges
The Department of Industry and Commerce in southern Ghazni province has announced that approximately 13,000 tons of dried fruit were exported from the province to foreign markets during the current solar year. These exports have reached countries including Tajikistan, Turkey, India, Iran, the United States, and several Arab nations.
Ahmad Shah Lali, the Export Development Director of the department, stated that the exported items include almonds, raisins, and apricots. Owing to their high quality, Ghazni’s products hold a strong position in global markets. According to him, this export activity has generated millions of dollars in revenue for traders; however, due to the absence of customs facilities in Ghazni, the exact earnings remain unknown, and most exports are directly managed by merchants.
Ghazni is recognized as one of the notable provinces for the production of quality dried fruit, with demand not only within Afghanistan but also internationally. Nevertheless, some traders express concerns that increased exports cannot be sustained without the necessary infrastructure.
One dried fruit trader pointed out that the lack of standard packaging and weaknesses in the transportation system mean products do not reach international markets in optimal condition. He emphasized that without the provision of essential facilities, the true potential of producers and traders in the province will remain limited.
While the Taliban administration speaks of efforts to further support the trade sector, traders believe that without establishing basic infrastructure, activating customs, and implementing standard export structures, sustainable economic growth in Ghazni will not be achievable. They consider that the responsibility to provide these facilities rests with the Taliban administration, and until these challenges are addressed, a large portion of the province’s economic capacity will remain untapped.
