Afghanistan Marks National Export Day, Honors Top Exporters

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce on Tuesday held a ceremony in Kabul to mark National Export Day and honor the country’s top exporters for 1404, attended by officials of the Islamic Emirate, ambassadors, and a number of foreign diplomats.

At the event, Abubakar Afghan Trading Company received first place in several categories, and outstanding exporters were recognized for their achievements.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi said Afghanistan now exports its products to more than 100 countries through six trade corridors and has around 250 export commodities.

“When we first assumed responsibility for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, there were fewer than 2,000 factories in the country. Today, that number has exceeded 6,500,” Azizi said.

Noor-ul-Haq Anwar, head of the Administrative Office, said greater facilitation should be provided for traders and their challenges addressed, adding that Afghanistan should move toward self-sufficiency.

Azizi also criticized Pakistan’s economic policies, saying politics should be kept separate from trade.

“When our trade routes were closed, we faced serious difficulties. Fruits and vegetables spoiled, and containers were returned. Even now, some of our containers are being unjustly held at Karachi Port and other locations,” he said.

Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Ataullah Omari said Afghan fresh and dried fruits—including pomegranates, grapes, apricots, raisins, pistachios, almonds, pine nuts, and saffron—have earned the trust of consumers in international markets because of their exceptional quality.

Sayed Karim Hashemi, director general of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, welcomed the event and called on domestic and foreign investors to invest in Afghanistan.

“Traders, investors, industrialists, and exporters play an important role in reducing poverty and strengthening the country’s economy by establishing factories, creating jobs, and increasing production,” Hashemi said.

The event comes as Afghanistan’s exports still account for only a small share of the country’s foreign trade, with imports continuing to make up the majority of overall trade.