Shop owners who trade in marble in Kabul have said they are concerned about the flow of foreign marble into the country, which is affecting domestic demand. 

They said Pakistan’s marble is dominating the market as prices are being undercut. 

According to them, Afghan marble is of a much higher quality, which in turn means it costs more. 

“You see this stone. It is from Pakistani and another is from Herat. Herat’s marble is brighter and whiter and also it is of a much higher quality compared to Pakistan’s marble,” said Nasir Ahmad, a marble craftsman.

“It would be better if Pakistan’s marble is not imported, because our country has the best marble in the world. We should not import foreign marble when we have our own,” said Shirshah, another marble retailer.

Meanwhile, economic affairs analyst Mohammad Mazari Sultanzada said the marble industry could have a positive impact on the domestic economy if it is supported. 

“The marble industry is important for Afghanistan. Marble makes up an important part of the country’s exports,” he said.