With COVID-19 restrictions lifted, the first domestic products exhibition was held in Kabul on Wednesday, with early 200 companies from 26 provinces exhibiting various products.

Exhibitors stated that due to political unrest and rising insecurity, their working conditions have not yet returned to normal.

“Corona was a big challenge that fortunately passed, and this is the first exhibition held after the widespread pandemic that women participated in as well,” said Shogofa Sadat, a participant.

“We have come here hoping to show what we have made and produced, and it’s great for our compatriots to favor and purchase them over Pakistani and Chinese products,” stated Nazia, an expo participant.

The spread of the coronavirus caused financial losses to all private companies, some more than others.

“We lost two-and-a-half to three million Afghanis financially, and unfortunately, the greatest loss our company suffered was Dr. Yaqoub Frootan, who passed away due to the virus,” said Mohammad Naeem, an exhibitor.

Along with industrial products, there were handicrafts, medicinal plants, fresh and dried products from various provinces displayed in the exhibition.

“We have brought a variety of medicinal plants from 28 districts of Badakhshan to this exhibition,” stated Zamir, a participant.

“We have brought five types of apples from Kalafgan district of Takhar. All of them are 100% organic and natural, with no chemicals used in their production process,” said Shikhullah Alyar, a participant.

“This exhibition has been organized with the name of our homeland, and we have introduced domestic products in all booths,” said Sayam Pasarlai, the expo organizer.