KABUL - Afghanistan’s fresh fruit export to India increased by over 250 percent in 2020, an official said on Tuesday.
Consul General of Afghanistan in Mumbai Ms. Zakia Wardak made the remarks during Afghanistan’s fruit virtual business matchmaking event held in Mumbai India.
“Last year, overall trade increased by five percent, Afghanistan’s fresh fruit exports to India increased by over 250 percent in 2020. Fresh and dry fruit contribute over 50 percent of Afghan exports to India. By hosting these types of business matchmaking events, we are determined to increase the trade between both sides to US$ 2 billion in upcoming years.”
Among those already experienced in international trade; 46 Indian importers and 36 Afghan exporters participated in the session, a statement from the Afghan diplomatic mission in Mumbai said.
The Consulate General of Afghanistan in Mumbai, in association with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), US Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP), World Trade Center Kabul, World Trade Center Mumbai, Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, and Indian Chamber of International Business (ICIB) hosted the event.
During the keynote address, Shah Masood Arghandabi, Director of Export Promotion, Minister of Industry and Commerce from Afghanistan, remarked, “Last year, trade between both sides reached nearly US$ 1.33 billion (with India’s exports to Afghanistan worth US$ 858 million, and imports from Afghanistan worth US$ 514 million). Significant progress has come as a result of bilateral and multilateral trade agreements signed between both countries. Afghanistan annually produces over 1.5 million metric tons of fresh fruit, including apples, apricots, pomegranates, grapes, cherries and melons. India, as the world’s fastest growing economy, is the best market for Afghanistan quality products.”
The Consulate of Afghanistan in Mumbai is planning a similar virtual dry fruit business matchmaking event towards the end of August 2021. (Pajhwok)