Twelve Afghan agribusinesses will display the finest fresh and dried fruits, nuts, juices, and vegetables at a high-profile trade event in Almaty, Kazakhstan from October 31 to November 2.

"WorldFood Kazakhstan" will provide an opportunity for buyers to connect with Afghan sellers and explore business relationships in the lucrative Central Asian market.

Supporting the initiative is the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which said in a statement that 12 agribusinesses will participate and that more than 5,000 regional buyers are expected to attend the event.

The Central Asian market is strategically important for Afghan agribusinesses. Earlier this year, the Afghan government announced its hopes of increasing air cargo shipments to 10 metric tons weekly through the Afghanistan-Kazakhstan air corridor.

Kazakhstan imported $2.1 million in agricultural goods from Afghanistan in 2017.

"WorldFood Kazakhstan" comes after two USAID-funded events in India in July and September, generating $163 million in agreements for Afghan agricultural products.

Afghan fresh fruits, figs, saffron, almonds, figs, raisins, pistachios, and walnuts were among some of the products contracted during the events.

USAID Mission Director Herbie Smith said: “We are working with international buyers and investors to link them with Afghan private sector partners such as processors and traders to ensure that more Afghan farmers can sell their products for good prices, feed their families, and educate their children.”

Agriculture is at the heart of Afghanistan’s economy and provided over $700 million in annual exports in 2017. USAID’s agriculture programs are focused on increasing exports. Since October 1, 2018, USAID agriculture programs facilitated over $270 million in export deals for Afghan sellers.