Afghanistan and Yemen have been making headlines with their respective agricultural exports, indicating growth potential not just for local economies but also for international trade. Recent reports reveal Afghanistan has exported over 143 million USD worth of fresh fruits over the past eleven months, as detailed by Akundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesman for the Afghan Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This success story emphasizes the importance of agricultural exports for Afghanistan's economic resilience.
"Over the past 11 months, about 296,000 tons of fresh fruits, worth over 143 million dollars, were exported," Jawad noted. These products have predominantly found their way to neighboring countries like Pakistan and India, as well as distant markets including the United States and the United Kingdom. Despite this success, the export of dried fruits remains lower than last year, reflecting the challenges Afghanistan’s agricultural sector faces.
Meanwhile, Yemen's coffee sector symbolizes lost glory but harbors significant export potential. Once known as one of the world's major producers of coffee, Yemen's coffee industry has seen fluctuations due to conflict and market constraints. Coffee is cultivated on small farms across arid lands, with Arabica being the predominant variety. Although coffee is grown on just 2.4 percent of the total cultivatable land, it contributed approximately 20.2 million USD of the 320 million USD total agricultural exports reported for 2020.
Yemen’s coffee industry has been shaping local economies, primarily driven by small-scale farmers. Marketing Yemeni coffee on international markets remains difficult due to lack of branding and price differentiation. There is hope, though, as international players recognize the dynamic and unique flavors of Yemeni coffee, which can command higher prices when marketed well.
For Afghanistan, the fruits exported include apples, grapes, and pomegranates, among others. Jawad indicated significant market categories not only within the region but also reaching as far as Canada and Australia. This kind of diversification is fundamental. It offers opportunities for the economy to stabilize and grow, particularly considering Afghanistan’s current geopolitical climate.
Yet both countries confront major barriers. For Afghanistan, these are logistical challenges tied to infrastructure, political instability, and competition from herbaceous cash crops dominating their agricultural landscapes. Equally, Yemen's coffee production is subjected to political fragmentation and governance issues, hindering reliable market access and production scaling.
A recent collaboration between the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment & Export Credit (ICIEC) and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) adds another layer of support to mitigate trade risks associated with international transactions. Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, CEO of ICIEC, emphasized this initiative, stating, "This policy is a testimony to our commitment to fostering secure and sturdy trade finance solutions… This is especially true for supporting trade flows among Shariah compliant markets."
Nazeem Noordali, acting CEO of ITFC, echoed similar sentiments, expressing, "By mitigating risks associated with Letters of Credit transactions, ITFC is reinforcing its commitment to fostering secure and seamless trade flows…" These partnerships reflect the importance of institutional collaboration aimed at improving market confidence among exporters.
While Afghanistan’s agricultural commodities are significant contributors to national revenue, Yemen's coffee sector can be revitalized by effective marketing and quality assurance measures. Strengthening the value chain for Yemeni coffee means improving processing methods and facilitating international partnerships - all aimed at revitalizing economic resilience amid conflict and fiscal strain.
Undoubtedly, cultivating and exporting high-quality products is the bedrock of strengthening these countries’ positions within the global market. With strategic initiatives and strong governance frameworks, both Afghanistan and Yemen stand to not only enrich their trade balances but also nourish their agricultural roots and community livelihoods for generations to come.