Pakistan’s export of goods and services to Afghanistan saw an increase of 3.63% during the first six months of the current fiscal year (2023-24) as compared to the exports of the corresponding period of last year, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported.

The Express Tribune reported that the overall exports to Afghanistan were recorded at $260.716 million during July-December (2023-24) against exports of $251.580 million during July-December (2022-23).

"Our priorities for trade balance include raising the quality of products with accepted standards, effectively marketing for export goods, strengthening trade cooperation and expanding transit corridors with neighboring countries and the region, and creating the necessary facilities for traders," said Abdul Rahman Habib, the Islamic Emirate's ministry of economy spokesperson.

Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), said that if the challenges of the traders are addressed and Afghanistan's exports to Pakistan will also increase.

“A few days ago the road was blocked due to a small issue, which means that it has a negative impact on our exports, and so far the road has been blocked two or three times and has a direct negative impact on our exports,” said Mohammad Yunus Momand, the first deputy of ACCI.

Some economists said that the increase in trade and the equality of Afghanistan's export and import with neighboring countries will benefit the country.

"It is obvious that there will be millions of dollars in export and import when the trade is done with the countries. In addition, we will be able to develop global markets in the world and neighboring countries so that some of our goods that are from Afghanistan will be displayed,"  said Ferdows Behguzin, an economist.

Due to rising tensions between Kabul and Islamabad in recent months, the Pakistani military has blocked crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan. ACCI reported that these crossing blockages have caused Afghan businesspeople to lose millions of dollars.