Afghanistan’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce has announced that bilateral trade between Afghanistan and India reached $525 million over the past seven months of the current fiscal year.
According to the ministry’s data, $379 million of this total consists of Afghan exports, the majority of which are dried fruits.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, said Afghanistan’s key exports to India include:
dried figs, saffron, asafoetida and its seeds, raisins, green cumin, pistachios, and almonds.
Imports from India include:
medicine, industrial raw materials, cotton textiles, auto parts, machinery, and various types of garments.
Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has announced the resumption of air-cargo flights between the two countries.
Economic experts say air-cargo corridors can serve as a suitable alternative to the Wagah land route and can play an important role in expanding trade between Afghanistan and India.
Khanjan Alkozi, a former board member of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, stated:
“Air cargo is a very good alternative, but pricing support is necessary so traders are not disadvantaged. Tax-related issues also need attention. Air-cargo is especially suitable for exporting dried fruits.”
This development comes as Nooruddin Azizi, the Islamic Emirate’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, recently traveled to India and held discussions with senior Indian officials to strengthen trade and economic relations.
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