ACCI Director Urges Traders to Increase Stockpiles of Essential Goods

KABUL (Afghan Verified) -- Sayed Karim Hashimi, director of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), urged traders to boost imports and stockpiles of essential goods including fuel, gas, cooking oil, sugar, wheat, flour and rice to avert shortages amid regional and global instability.

Speaking at a joint meeting with traders in Kabul, Hashimi emphasized that imported goods must meet quality, health and technical standards with valid expiry dates. He denied rumors of hoarding by traders, distinguishing stockpiling from hoarding, and noted that prices are regulated by chambers.

Hashimi attributed a roughly 5 percent price increase in essentials to the closure of the Torkham border crossing, which has forced imports through costlier routes like Chabahar. He stated that prices remain 30-40 percent lower than in neighboring countries and rejected claims blaming traders for rises.

The ACCI director praised facilities provided by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to the private sector and expressed support for its policies. He called on the Islamic Emirate to create more opportunities and address challenges facing the private sector.

Hashimi highlighted recent trade agreements signed with Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan for goods, Iran for gas, and Russia and Kazakhstan for food supplies.