Afghanistan: A number of traders in Kandahar say neighboring countries should not link trade issues with political matters.
Kandahar’s dried fruit traders say exports are currently facing problems due to the closure of the Wagah border and Pakistan’s high tariffs.
The traders emphasize that governments should not make trade a victim of politics.
Yaqoot Shah, a dried fruit trader in Kandahar, said: “Unfortunately, the disputes between India and Pakistan are causing harm to all traders and poor Afghans. We call on the Islamic Emirate to resolve these issues, and the government should separate politics from the economy.”
Another dried fruit trader, Nematullah Kandahari, added: “Our request from the government is to provide us with facilities for exports, as harvests are abundant but we are facing challenges along the trade routes.”
Similarly, Hayatullah, who is engaged in the same business, said: “Due to the closure of trade routes and high tariffs, Kandahar’s dried fruit exports have declined, and both traders and farmers are facing difficulties.”
Meanwhile, the Kandahar Dried Fruit Association says it is trying to help exporters by facilitating alternative routes through Bandar Abbas to prevent further losses.
The head of the Kandahar Dried Fruit Association, Abdul Ahmad Siddiqi, also said: “Our exports are indeed facing serious challenges, and if facilities at Bandar Abbas are not increased, our exports will suffer up to 60 percent losses. However, we are working to find solutions.”
This comes as 100 tons of figs were recently exported from Kandahar to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, with officials promising to provide more facilities in this sector.
