KANDAHAR (TOLONews): The Kandahar Chamber of Commerce and Investment has announced the beginning of grape exports from the province to Pakistan.
According to fruit traders and orchard owners, this year’s grape harvest is excellent in both quantity and quality.
They are urging the relevant authorities to address two key issues: the high tariffs imposed by Pakistan on Afghan fresh fruits and the persistent transit challenges.
A trader in Kandahar, Saadullah, said: “We’ve exported five containers of grapes to Pakistan, totaling around 100 tons. So far, there haven’t been any problems, but Pakistan’s taxes are very high.”
Another trader, Abdul Qayoum, added: “If taxes remain high, our expenses won’t be covered. Also, we don’t have alternative routes to export grapes to other countries. Taxes should be reduced, and we should be able to access other international markets.”
An orchard owner, Wali Mohammad, explained: “Many people work with me during the harvest, but if Pakistan closes the roads or imposes new tariffs, all our expenses will go to waste.”
However, Kandahar’s Chamber of Commerce and Investment has stated that they have held talks with Pakistani officials to facilitate fresh fruit exports. According to them, Pakistani officials have pledged to reduce export tariffs on fresh fruit by 50%.
Abdul Baqi Bina, Deputy Head of the Kandahar Chamber, stated: “Our delegation went to Islamabad, and Pakistan has promised a 50% reduction in tariffs. At the provincial level, we’ve also begun discussions with the Pakistani consulate to ensure better shipment of produce. We assure that this year there will be more export facilities.”
Based on data from Kandahar’s Directorate of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, this year’s grape yield is of better quality compared to last year. An estimated 205,000 metric tons of grapes are expected to be harvested this year.
The Directorate’s spokesperson, Mohammad Hanif Haqmal, said: “This year, we expect a total of 205,000 tons of grapes. Pest attacks have been minimal, and the quality of grapes is excellent.”
According to local officials, last year Kandahar exported 26,000 tons of grapes, generating over 8 million USD in revenue.
