Figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) showed that the country’s exports in the first quarter of the Afghan year 1387 (2008) reached 111.25 Million Dollars. Whereas the first quarter of the years: 1386 (2007) was 106.75 Million of Dollars and 93.81 Million Dollars in the year 1385 (2006).
Afghanistan’s chief exports are: carpets, fresh fruits, cereals, medical plants, animal products, cotton, gems and marbles. These are exported internationally to countries like: India, China, Pakistan, UK, UAE, USA and the EU. Currently, Afghan goods are becoming more and more attractive in these markets, where they had a much smaller share in the past.
Communication between Afghan exporters and European and Americans importers increased during last year. Since 2006 the export of Afghan carpets and medic plants have increase a staggering 40% and 113% respectively
to the United States alone.
The increase in national exports over the past 2 years is largely due to major reforms the Government has put into place to simplify and organize export procedures and the creation of a more cooperative business environment between the government and business community to ensure that the difficulties the private sector faces are dealt with accordingly and with resolve, so as to ensure sustainable growth for the decades to come. Numerous obstacles Afghan exporters faced, such as high export taxes, collection of illegal commission fees and lack of capacity building, are now top government priorities. Just recently, the government waved all export taxes to encourage and promote exports. | |
