Herat province announces excellent economic growth

Exports from Herat province have increased by 36% compared to 2010 as a result of a new customs rules, a supportive provincial chamber of commerce, better international trade links, and ever-improving security. Local and Foreign business people have reported increasing satisfaction.

Officially, exports from Herat province amounted to more than US$30 million between March and September 2011, according to Amrullah Qalandarzoi, head of exports at the provincial customs department. Some of the goods were bound for Iran and Turkmenistan, while others were heading for the Middle East, India, Turkey, and Europe.

Herat province produces saffron, rugs, cumin, marble, animal skins and wool. The carpet industry in western Afghanistan is thriving, employing some 3,000 workers, most of them female; nearly 60% more rugs were exported to Iran and on to Europe between March and September 2011 than in the same period of 2010. Other sectors are also reporting positive stories.