Herat exports record 30pc increase

 HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): The Chamber of Commerce and Industries in western Herat province on Thursday reported a 30 percent increase in export of agricultural and industrial products.

The chamber in a statement said Herat’s export of agricultural and industrial products had increased by 30 percent in 1399 solar year, compared to the previous year.

Herat had exported 49,000 tons of agricultural and industrial products including dried fruits worth $70 million dollars in 1388 solar year.

The chamber said Herat exported 65,000 tons of agricultural and manufacturing products abroad in solar year 1399, adding the exports were worth $76 million dollars.

Accordingly, the exports of year 1399 were 16,000 tons valued at $5 million dollars which shows a 30 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

Officials of Chamber of Commerce and Industries stressed that despite worldwide spread of Covid-19 they had an increase in exports.

They said most of the export products included caraway, watermelon seeds, lead ingots and raisins.

Abdul Rahim, a raisins trader in Herat province, hailed the spike in exports. “Despite the pandemic, thankfully we were able to export raisins abroad,” he added.

Herat traders hoped that exports would increase this year if the Covid-19 pandemic was over.

Hr/ma