Herat exports increased by 30% in the last solar year amid the coronavirus pandemic, said Herat’s Chamber of Commerce and Investment. 

In last solar year, around 64 thousand (metric) tons of agriculture and industrial products worth $76 million were exported to several countries in the province, according to the figures provided by the chamber of commerce.  

Countrywide, the pandemic during the last solar year (1399) caused an estimated reduction of $200 million in Afghan exports, but Herat bucked the national trend and increased its exports. 

Agricultural products are the main exports from Herat province. 

Saffron, raisins, green cumin, watermelon seeds, lead, carpets, and Cashmere goat wool are the main items being exported in Herat province.  

“In 1399 we had a 30% increase in our exports, which includes wild plants and farmed produce and industrial products. Last year was a good year for exportation. We hope our exports grow significantly in the current year,” said Mohammad Younus Qazizada, head of the Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment. 

Mohammad Osman Ansari, head of Herat’s exporters union, said that most of their exports are to the UAE, Iran, Europe, Turkey, and India. 

Local officials in Herat said they are striving to exceed $76 million for Herat exports in the current solar year.  

“We have some plans for the future of this province--as the railways are constructed in this province our trade corridors should be activated too. President (Ashraf Ghani) has emphasized that 1400 should be a remarkable year of exportation from Herat province,” said Sayed Waheed Qatali, the governor of Herat. 

The western province of Herat is one of the most important economic centers in Afghanistan, which has developed much more than other parts of the country in producing agricultural, farming, and industrial products in recent years.