China gets 1st shipment of Afghan pine nuts since Taliban's rise to power

Cargo plane lands in Shanghai with 45 tons of pine nuts from Afghanistan

ISTANBUL:

The first cargo flight carrying some 45 tons of pine nuts produced in Afghanistan landed in China on Monday, Beijing’s envoy in Kabul said.

“The first flight of Afghanistan pine nuts of this year arrived (at) Pudong Airport, Shanghai, from Kabul,” Wang Yu, the Chinese ambassador, said on Twitter.

“Great job of cooperation of our two countries and peoples. Income for Afghanistan farmers, nice taste for Chinese consumers,” he added, terming it a “win-win” transaction for the two sides.

Afghanistan’s exports were briefly hit when the Taliban swept to power in August after the collapse of the US-backed government led by Ashraf Ghani.

Also read: Exporters uncertain on trading with Afghanistan

Businesses have gradually restarted as the interim Taliban government consolidates its power.

Afghan exports to Pakistan have risen steadily as the two countries held several rounds of negotiations to overcome some hiccups.

Islamabad has also lifted taxes on some Afghan products.

According to the Chinese envoy, China and Afghanistan also worked through “numerous difficulties” caused by current limitations of global air transport.

Also read: Taliban government offers Afghans wheat for work as money dwindles

Wang said consistent trade will solve problems being faced by Afghan farmers and solidify trade ties between the two countries.

“China firmly pursues a friendly policy toward all Afghan people, besides more humanitarian assistance to Afghans,” the official said, adding that “tens of thousands of tons of pine nuts” will be exported to China from Afghanistan in the coming months.

“The pine nut air corridor is the important bond of friendship between our two countries,” Wang added.