Afghanistan's Fruit Exports Increase by 30 Percent

(MENAFN- Daily Outlook Afghanistan) KABUL - Afghanistan hasexported 255 tons of fresh fruit so far this year to India, Europe and someArab nations, making 30 percent increase compared to the same period in 2018, aspokesman for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Samir Rasa, said onSaturday.
He said that the exports haveincreased after the inauguration of the air corridors between Afghanistan andIndia, UAE, China and Turkey.
Apple, pomegranate, melon,watermelon and grapes are the main fresh fruits which are exported to India,China, UAE and some European countries.
'The highest level of freshfruit exports is to India which is about 189 tons, Rasa said. 'At least 63tons of fresh fruit was exported to Arab countries and the remaining was sentto European countries.
Mr. Rasa said that the ministryeyes more increase in the exports by the end of the year.
Lack of modern facilities atAfghanistan's airports and ports, including cold storage facilities andrequired scanners, is a major challenge for Afghan investors, an official ofAfghanistan Chamber Commerce and Industry (ACCI) said.
'India is checking all ourgoods in all their ports and they unload all the goods and tear the packages.This damages our goods, the ACCI acting chief, Khanjan Alokozay, said.
Fresh fruit exporters saidAfghan investors need ground routes for sending their goods besides sendingthem through the newly-established air corridors.
'We urge the government toestablish air corridor with Moscow and Kazakhstan, said Nejabat Haidari, memberof Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Exporters Union.
Figures by Ministry of Industryand Commerce indicate that at least 7,400 tons of Afghan goods worth $170million have been exported to India, some European countries and the UAEthrough air corridors over the past two years. (Tolo news)

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