Afghanistan has shipped its first consignment of apples and pomegranates to Russia, according to The Times of India. The publication reported that the shipment indicates Kabul's readiness to expand mutual trade.
Afghanistan is seeking to expand trade with Iran, India, and Central Asian countries following a sharp decline in commerce with Pakistan. Bilateral trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan fell after border closures that followed armed clashes in October. In 2024, Pakistan accounted for 45 per cent of Afghanistan's total foreign trade, largely consisting of perishable fruit and vegetables. With the border closed, this trade has nearly stopped. At the same time, Kabul increased its exports to Iran and Turkmenistan by 60 to 70 per cent last month.
Alhaj Nuruddin Azizi, Minister of Industry and Commerce in the Taliban-led government, said earlier this year that "Russia is one of Afghanistan's most important trading partners" and noted that the country could offer Russia fruits, spices, and carpets as part of mutual trade. Exporters have continued to shift market focus as traditional routes remain restricted, and the first fruit shipment to Russia marks the start of expanded outbound flows for the current season.
Source: The European
