Eight Shipments of Domestic Goods Exported via Lapis Lazuli Route
KABUL (Afghan Verified) -- The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation reported that eight shipments totaling 18 tons of domestic goods, including dried fruits, pressure cookers, cooker parts and energy drinks, have been exported via the Lapis Lazuli route.
Hakmatullah Asafi, spokesperson for the ministry, said the goods were transported from Torghundi port in Herat to Turkmenbashi port in Turkmenistan, then via the Caspian Sea to Baku in Azerbaijan, followed by Georgia and Turkey for onward shipment to various countries.
The shipments are destined for the United States, Australia, Europe and Saudi Arabia. Asafi added that the ministry plans to export three to four shipments daily via the route going forward.
Traders hailed the route as a vital alternative amid closed border crossings with Pakistan and problems on routes through Iran due to war. Nazir Ahmad Rahimi, a trader, confirmed that eight shipments of goods were exported via Turkey to America, Australia, Europe and Saudi Arabia.
Gholam Habib Rahimati, another trader, said: "Pakistan's crossings are closed, and Iran's routes are facing problems due to war. The only route that can connect Afghanistan to global markets is the Lapis Lazuli route."
Abdullah Dashti, deputy of the Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment, described the Lapis Lazuli route as permanent and expressed hope for its continued use. Economic expert Mohammad Dawood Noorzai noted it as a suitable option for imports and exports to Europe and other countries given the situations in Pakistan and Iran.
The ministry stated that other active routes include direct imports and exports to Russia and rail transfers to China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
Know more about this story?
If you have additional information or believe something is inaccurate, let us know. Your tips help us stay accurate.
Sources (1)
More in Economy
Crimea's Agriculture Minister Says Afghanistan and Azerbaijan Replacing Part of Iran's Products in Russian Market
Afghan, Turkmen Officials Emphasize Accelerating TAPI Pipeline Land Acquisition
Teachers in Balkh Province Report Salary Delays for Several Months
Construction Begins on Perimeter Wall at Torghundi Port in Herat
ReliableCrimea's Agriculture Minister Says Afghanistan and Azerbaijan Replacing Part of Iran's Products in Russian Market
Crimea's Agriculture Minister Denis Kratiuk said Afghanistan and Azerbaijan are gradually replacing Iranian agricultural products, especially winter supplies, in the Russian market. The shift, noted in an interview with Radio Sputnik Crimea, could occur relatively quickly and affect regional trade dynamics.
ReliableAfghan, Turkmen Officials Emphasize Accelerating TAPI Pipeline Land Acquisition
Afghan and Turkmen officials discussed accelerating land acquisition for the TAPI gas pipeline, while other developments included export shipments via the Lajvard route, a new carpet weaving center in Herat for returnees, and Uzbekistan's ratification of a trade agreement with Afghanistan.
ReliableTeachers in Balkh Province Report Salary Delays for Several Months
Government school teachers in Afghanistan's Balkh province have not received salaries for several months ahead of Eid and complain of insufficient pay, with similar delays reported in southern provinces. Taliban officials have not commented, amid reports of a Pakistani airstrike on special forces in Kandahar.
ReliableConstruction Begins on Perimeter Wall at Torghundi Port in Herat
Construction has started on a new perimeter wall at Torghundi port in Herat province, costing more than 36 million Afghanis, to replace deteriorated structures over 40 years old. Herat governor's spokesman Mohammad Yusuf Saidi said the project will boost security and improve port management at the key trade link to Turkmenistan.