Officials at the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) said that the exports of Afghan domestic products has increased this year compared to recent years.

According to the officials, carpets, rugs, dried fruits and fresh fruits are the exported goods on the rise.

According to the officials, the export of domestic products has reached $823 million this year, while last year the export of these products reached $700 million.

“The current time is the peak of our exports of vegetables and fresh fruits. In 2021, we exported more than $800 million, and most of it was dried fruit that went to Pakistan,” said Khan Jan Alokozai, a member of the ACCI.

On the other hand, a number of traders said that since the political change in August, they have not been able to export their products to the global markets due to the problems at Afghanistan-Pakistan crossings.

“In general, our exports had problems this year. During the export season of the fruits, the Spin Boldak and Torkham crossings were blocked which made it difficult for the traders to export their goods to Pakistan,” said Mirwais Hajizada, a member of the Chamber of Agriculture and Irrigation.

In the meantime, some economists said that the increase in exports is beneficial for the country’s economic growth and the level of exports should continue to increase.

“Increase in exports and imports means that the countries have relations with each other. The trade which carries the message of peace will lead Afghanistan to having a political engagement with other countries,” said Sayed Massoud, an economist said.

Meanwhile, officials at the ACCI said that imports to Afghanistan have dropped to $6 billion this year, while last year it was $7 billion.