Afghanistan plans to export pine nuts to China

Almaty. May 13. Silkroadnews – $2-million construction of new plant for processing of pine nuts began in the eastern province of Khost, Afghan news agency (AfTAG) informs.

According to “Pazhvok” news agency, at the ceremony on construction opening the governor Hukam Khan Habibi said the plant will operate in accordance with the international standards and shall be focused on exports to China and Europe.  

The governor of Khost province, which borders to Pakistan, says annually 8-12 thousand tonnes are illegally exported from the country. Purchase of nuts by the new plant shall give the farmers of Khost, Paktika and Paktia more advantages in terms of getting fruits of their labor. It is also a great opportunity to attract investments into the agricultural sector of the region.

According to the province’s chamber of commerce, pine nuts smuggled to Pakistan bring $8 per kg only. The packaged products export to China will increase the value of the goods up to $22, and in Europe the pine nuts price reaches $80 per kg.

It is worth noting that in 2015 revenues of Khost province increased by 147 million Afghanis ($2.14 million), which is around 20% increase.