Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the current Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, visited the Mira exhibit where Afghan products were displayed, WAM, an Emirati news outlet reported.

Launched over a decade ago, Mira represents independent farmers from across Afghanistan who grow organic fruits, nuts and saffron without the use of any harsh chemicals or preservatives, the report said.

The Afghanistan Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock said the foreign exhibitions are important to increase markets for Afghan products.

“The more the exhibitions are being held, particularly in UAE states and other warm climate countries, which need the Afghan agriculture products, the better it is. The Afghan pine nuts and saffron are famous,” said Mirwais Hajizada, deputy of the ACAL.

The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) said that an exhibition is expected to be held in the UAE but the traders cannot attend due to lack of visas.

“The serious problems in our exhibition, particularly to Dubai, are due to visas. The visa issuance has been difficult. Those who are living there, they can participate. We ourselves cannot attend from Afghanistan,” said Khanjan Alokozai, a member of the ACCI.

According to the ACCI, the natural plants, carpets, dry fruits and precious stones are the main exports of Afghanistan and the exhibitions include mostly these products.