The Ministry of Industry and Commerce stated that in the current solar year of 1403, Afghanistan conducted trade worth $295 million with global markets through its air corridors.
According to Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, the ministry’s spokesperson, exports accounted for $128 million of this total.
He noted that Afghanistan’s key export items during this period included dried fruits, saffron, jujube, black pine nuts, new clothing, and handicrafts.
The spokesperson said: “Afghanistan’s exports have been transported through Kabul, Kandahar, and Balkh airports to Austria, Jordan, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, the United States, South Africa, Germany, China, India, and other countries, with a total value reaching $295 million.”
The Chamber of Commerce and Investment, emphasizing the importance of air corridor transportation, calls for cost reductions to boost Afghanistan’s exports.
Mirzaman Popal, the chamber’s acting financial and administrative director, stated: “A percentage of subsidies should be allocated for traders and their goods. Negotiations should be held with airline companies to collaborate on reducing airport taxes and transportation costs.”
“Since Afghanistan lacks access to maritime trade routes, utilizing air corridors—especially through neighboring countries that facilitate Afghanistan’s international trade—is the best alternative,” said Asif Stanikzai, an economic analyst.
As a landlocked country, Afghanistan often faces trade restrictions from neighboring nations. Thus, air corridors serve as a vital solution for transporting commercial goods and connecting Afghanistan to global markets.