Officials of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) last week claimed an increase in the export of dried fruit from the province of southern Kandahar. They said that the quality of dried fruit had driven up demand in the international market. As a result, a large increase in exports was witnessed this year.
Abdul Baqi Beena, deputy head of ACCI, said that 13,853 tonnes of dried fruits worth $38,963 million were exported.
In addition, 9,696 tonnes of natural herbs were exported. Figs, raisins, dried apricots and almonds were the main exports. He said most of the exports went to India, while a small amount was sent to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as well.
He said that a 41 percent increase had been seen in the export of dried fruits in the current year. If the air cargo facilities were available, Afghan traders would be able to export products to European countries as well.