Goods worth $75m exported to Pakistan via Dandi Patan

GARDEZ (Pajhwok): The Industry and Commerce Department in southeastern Paktia province says various goods worth nearly 75 million US dollar were exported to Pakistan through the Kharalchi route in Dandi Patan district this ongoing solar year.

Mohammad Azim Azimi, Director of the Industry and Commerce Department, told Pajhwok Afghan News that the exported goods included dried and fresh fruits, vegetables, coal, medicinal herbs, and other items.

He added, “Fortunately, in the current year, exports worth about 75 million US dollars were carried out through the Dand-i-Patan port, and various goods are included in this figure."

Meanwhile, Hasibullah Ghrdizi, head of Paktia’s Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said that if the Dandi Patan route was made a transit route and some other necessary facilities were provided, the level of exports could increase significantly.

He also said traders had repeatedly urged the transit status of this route.

Several traders in Paktia say that, compared to other routes in the country, the Dandi Patan route is closer and more affordable for the transportation of goods.

Khwajauddin Kaliwal, head of the Paktia Traders Union, told Pajhwok that traders face difficulties in obtaining visas from Pakistan, which leads to problems for them.

He said, “We are facing a lot of difficulties in getting visas, and it’s not easy for us to travel there to buy and sell goods."

Another trader, Khiali, also told Pajhwok that the poor condition of the road between Gardez and Dandi Patan district had negatively affected commercial activities.

He stated that if the Kharlachi route becomes a transit route, trade would expand, and the transportation of goods would be more affordable.

sa/ma