The Ministry of Industry and Commerce says that over the past 11 months, around 296,000 tons of fresh fruit, worth more than $143 million, have been exported to various countries.

Pakistan, India, the United Arab Emirates, China, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, France, Australia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Canada have been among the largest buyers of Afghanistan's fresh fruit this year.

 "The total export of Afghanistan's fresh fruit this year has reached approximately 296,000 tons, valued at $143.11 million. These exports include apples, grapes, pomegranates, fresh figs, apricots, cherries, mulberries, melons, black mulberries, and other fruits,” stated Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

Meanwhile, the Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock emphasized the need for greater support for farmers and the modernization of the agricultural sector to boost the country’s exports.

"We must expand standardized and quality exports to European markets so that they are accepted by countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and other European nations,” said Mirwais Haji Zada, deputy head of the Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock. 

Abdul Zahoor Madber, an economic expert, also stressed the need for economic incentives for traders and added: "To increase fresh fruit exports, tax exemptions should be considered for domestic traders, and customs tariffs should be reduced."

According to the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, due to the repeated closure of Pakistan's trade crossings to Afghan goods and other trade challenges, Afghanistan’s exports this year have slightly declined compared to the previous year.