China’s monopolistic market harms pine nut trade: Exporters

KHOST CITY (Pajhwok): A number of pine nut exporters in southeastern provinces said China’s monopolistic market has harmed their business.

Traders said pine nut harvest in southeastern Khost, Pakita and Paktika provinces reached 3,500 tonnes this year, but the monopoly of Chinese traders and the lack of other markets have seriously harmed their trade.

Sial Khan, deputy director of Pine Nut Association in Khost province, told Pajhwok Afghan News that about 1,500 tons of pine nuts were still facing export restrictions and if other routes for their export could not be opened, it was possible these products would spoil.

He explained: “If the government does not find alternative markets for us, such as Europe, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, these goods would spoil and we would suffer huge economic losses. So far, about 2,000 tons have been exported, but 1,500 tons are still to be exported”.

According to him, this problem could solve if the government explores more markets.

Faridullah, a pine nut trader, told Pajhwok expanding trade relations with other countries would ensure the stability of pine nuts trade.

“All goods here are given to Chinese traders. If we had contracts with other countries, the Chinese would not be causing us the economic problems we have now,” Faridullah added.

Nejatullah, another trader, expressed similar concerns, saying: “Good pine nuts are exported to China, but damaged are used for nuts in Kabul. The government should try to give us access to markets in other countries so our business can expand”.

Head of Chamber of Commerce and Investment Nawab Amirzai said it was the government’s responsbility to expand trade relations with the world so Afghan traders could gain access international markets.

“The government must create conditions for international cooperation to boost economic growth, attract investment, and improve financial stability”: he added.

Afghan pine nuts are in high demand globally. Economic experts believe that removing barriers to international markets for dried fruit exports could bring Afghanistan closer to economic self-sufficiency.

According to governor spokesman Mustaghfer Gurbaz, officials are working to export Khost pine nuts to China and other countries to boost trade.

They are seriously trying in this regard and would take practical steps in near future, he explained.

hz/ma