The Ministry of Commerce and Industries has outlined a strategy to increase exports and remove obstacles in the way of investors in this respect.
The ministry will send the strategy to the high economic council of the National Unity Government for approval in the near future, the ministry’s spokesman Musafir Qoqandi confirmed.
He said President Ashraf Ghani leads the council.
Qoqandi said in the strategy they have identified six important goods for export including dry and fresh fruits, saffron, carpets, and precious and semi-precious stones.
“Six important goods from Afghanistan which can compete have been identified in the National Export Strategy of Afghanistan. It is a good alternative for improving exports and imports in Afghanistan,” Qoqandi told TOLOnews.
The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries said the National Export Strategy has also taken into consideration facilities that will be needed.
The ministry said a single center will be established to streamline the export process.
“Many facilities have been considered for exports and exporters. One of them is the single center which was recently inaugurated by head of the executive council this week in Kabul. These centers will be established at all customs offices,” Alokozay told TOLOnews.
The National Export Strategy will guide Afghanistan's efforts to realize the potential of its export sector as an important driver for economic growth.
It is a key component of the Trade for Economic Growth and Regional Cooperation, a trade-related support program to Afghanistan funded by the European Union in support of the Ministry of Commerce and Industries.
The National Export Strategy will align with the priorities and development goals established by the Afghan government.
It will have a particular focus on socio-economic growth, private-sector development, investment promotion, investor protection, and economic diversification. The final Strategy will also adhere to the principles and instruments of the New Development Planning System that has been established by the Afghan Government as part of the Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework (ANPDF), according to the European Union.
Afghan government started work on the strategy in February last year.