Taliban Orders Purchase of Cargo Planes to Boost Fruit Exports

Following a meeting led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Economic Head of the Taliban administration, officials of Ariana Airlines have been tasked with acquiring two cargo planes to facilitate the air transport of fresh and dried Afghan fruits abroad.

According to a statement released by the Economic Directorate of the Taliban administration, the costs for these aircraft will be covered by the internal budget, although further details regarding the budget amount and the timeline for implementation have not been disclosed.

Furthermore, during the meeting, Ariana Airlines was instructed to conduct fruit exports strictly at cost price, with no aim of making a profit. This decision could further limit the government’s role in the free market and restrict the activities of the private sector.

In another part of these decisions, officials from the Chamber of Commerce and Investment were asked to hold meetings with domestic traders concerning the establishment of air transport companies. These measures come at a time when the lack of adequate infrastructure and international restrictions pose major challenges to Afghanistan’s exports.