Afghanistan Exports Over $65 Million Worth of Coal in 8 Months; Ministry
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce reports that more than $65 million worth of coal has been exported in the first eight months of the current solar year.
Akundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, the spokesperson for the ministry, stated that approximately 654,000 tons of coal have been exported, primarily to Pakistan, China, Iran, India, and Turkey.
The spokesperson said: “During the first eight months of 1403, the country exported approximately 654,000 tons of coal valued at over $65.6 million to Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, India, and China.”
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Industries and Mines emphasized the need to facilitate coal exports further to increase revenue.
Sakhi Ahmad Paiman, Deputy of the Chamber of Industries and Mines, said: “Afghanistan has vast coal reserves, and two key factors must be considered to enhance exports: one, mechanized extraction; and two, pricing coal in line with regional and global markets.”
Abdul Ghaffar Nizami, an economic expert, stated: “The only benefit of coal exports is generating revenue for the government. However, if coal is used domestically, it can provide significant benefits, particularly to the economy.”
According to the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, Afghanistan has a coal reserve belt that stretches 700 kilometers in length and 35 to 40 kilometers in width, starting in Badakhshan and ending in Herat.
