Officials of the Afghan Ministry of Commerce & Industries (MoCI) on Thursday said that Qara Qul exports had increased four percent already this year and would likely increase further through the end. Most of the material was exported to Russia.
"Qara Qul exports have developed well in recent years and have found good markets, but we still have a way to reach the target that we had during Dawoud Khan and Mohammad Zahir governments," Deputy of the MoCI Khan Jan Alokozai said.
"Qara Qul livestock sector has been revived in the northern provinces, particulary in Faryab and Jawozjan provinces," he said.
Directorate of Qara Qul Export Development in the north has expressed satisfaction over the growth seen in recent years.
"In 2011 we exported up to 523,980 peiece of Qara Qul skin and this year we have 449,358 pieces and this figure would increase through the end of the this year," Mohammad Arif said.
Officials of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce & Industries (ACCI) said this year 1.5 million USD has been earned from Qara Qul exports, with most of the skins being exported to the U.S., Russia and other European countries.
Officials of the MoCI noted that regulations on the slaughtering of Qara Qul sheep in neighboring Uzbekistan have increased, giving the Afghan industry a chance to seize a greater market share.