Afghanistan Launches First Major Fresh Fruit Export to Central Asia via Hairatan Port

Afghanistan has dispatched its first major shipment of fresh fruit and agricultural products to Uzbekistan and several other Central Asian countries through the Hairatan port in Balkh province. The shipment includes apples from Maidan Wardak, pomegranates from Kandahar, and dried mulberries from northern provinces. The total value of the consignment is reported to exceed $250,000.

Haroun Al-Rashid Qazi, deputy head of the Balkh Chamber of Commerce, said the export initiative is part of an agreement between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. He added that the route is expected to evolve into a broader trade corridor connecting Central Asia with Asian and even European markets.

Officials from the Taliban administration in Balkh, including Noorulhadi Abu Idris, emphasized the 24-hour operational status of the Hairatan port and said the facility provides the necessary infrastructure to support year-round exports.

While this development could strengthen the local economy and boost farmers’ incomes, ongoing challenges such as a lack of transparent structures, inefficiencies in state institutions, and tightly centralized decision-making under Taliban control continue to undermine traders’ trust. Many citizens also question whether such trade achievements will translate into improved livelihoods or merely serve propaganda purposes for the Taliban administration.

Reports indicate that future exports through Hairatan and Aqina ports will include fresh meat, vegetables, and other agricultural products. However, independent oversight bodies are calling for greater transparency in the management of these export operations.