Afghanistan’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce reported that from the beginning of Hamal to the end of Aqrab this year (solar year), trade between Afghanistan and Russia has reached $174 million.
According to Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, the ministry’s spokesperson, $2.2 million of this amount pertains to Afghan exports, including raisins, minerals, dried figs, and onions.
“Most major export items include raisins, minerals, fruit juice, cucumbers, talc, non-alcoholic beverages, figs, and onions. Imports primarily consist of barbed wire, malt water, and various oil and gas products,” he said.
Although efforts have been made over the past three years to increase exports and facilitate trade, Afghanistan’s trade balance with regional and global countries remains uneven.
Russia is one of the countries that annually exports goods worth over $300 million to Afghanistan, but Afghanistan’s exports to Russia are very limited in comparison.
The Russian president’s special representative for Afghanistan recently met with Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister to discuss expanding economic, trade, investment, and transit cooperation.
“He said a high-ranking delegation from his country will soon visit Kabul, and senior officials from the Islamic Emirate will hold discussions on expanding cooperation in various sectors,” said Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal, the deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Chamber of Commerce and Investment emphasized that several contracts for importing oil, gas, and wheat from Russia have been signed but require implementation.
“Economic relations with Russia are highly important for us during these crisis-ridden times when we are isolated from the world. Strengthening ties with Russia is in our interest,” said Khanjan Alokozai, a board member of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment.
Since the return of the Islamic Emirate to power, Russia has been one of the countries that has expanded its economic and trade relations with Afghanistan. Officials of the Islamic Emirate have also actively participated in various economic meetings in Russia.