The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has reported that Afghanistan conducted trade transactions worth $12.422 billion with various countries in 2024.
The ministry stated that Afghanistan's exports during this period amounted to $1.803 billion, which represents a 4% decrease compared to 2023. The total value of imports was reported to be $10.619 billion.
According to Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, the spokesperson for the ministry, the country's imports in 2024 increased by 38% compared to the previous year.
Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad further said: "Afghanistan's total trade in 2024 reached $12.422 billion. Of this, exports accounted for $1.803 billion, while imports were approximately $10.619 billion."
He also mentioned that Afghanistan's exports to China and Pakistan declined last year; however, as a result of efforts by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, trade volumes with Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have doubled.
The ministry spokesperson said: "Our exports to Pakistan and China decreased this year compared to the previous year, but they increased with Turkey and India. Most notably, exports to four neighboring and Arab countries—Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the UAE—have doubled."
Representatives of the private sector emphasize that increasing Afghanistan’s exports globally depends on introducing more facilities, including establishing packaging factories and providing visas for Afghan traders.
Khairuddin Mayel, Deputy Head of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, stated: "Facilitating visa and travel conditions for our traders in other countries will enable them to find markets for Afghan products, agricultural goods, and overall exports globally."
Wasim Safi, head of the Agricultural and Livestock Chamber, said: "To access international markets with high standards, we need to focus on packaging and standardization efforts for our products."
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce also highlighted that after the political changes in the country, Afghanistan’s annual exports to regional countries were initially around $850 million. However, due to the efforts of the Islamic Emirate, this figure has now reached around $2 billion annually.
Comment this post