Bangladesh to continue medicine export to Afghanistan

Despite the political turmoil in Afghanistan, Bangladesh will continue trade and commerce with the country.

Bangladesh exports medicines, knitwear, jute and agri products, ceramics and several other products to Afghanistan.

Medicine export to Afghanistan

As many as 25 Pharmaceutical companies export drug in Afghanistan. 

Concerned officials of the companies say, though the situation has been changed exporting medicines will continue.

“The banks in Afghanistan suspended all modes of operation. Besides, how flights will be operated is yet to be decided. But we have taken all the preparations to export medicines. When these issues will be solved, we will start the export,” a Sylhet-based drug official told The Report seeking anonymity.

Secretary General, Shafiuzzaman, of Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries said, trading medicines to Afghanistan will continue. Which government is ruling the country is not a matter of concern.

When the snapped communication resumes Shafiuzzaman hopes, the export will resume onward.

Export of jute and ceramics

Apart from drugs Bangladesh also exports jute and ceramics product. However, the sale came to a standstill due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Concerned officials of the sector said, though the government has been changed in Afghanistan it will not impact the export.

Troublesome Afghan banking

Banking services have become a major hurdle for export-import to and from Afghanistan. Exporters alleged that, the process of opening LC, withdrawing cash and completing other transection is slower than it requires.

Due to the conflict in recent weeks Bangladeshis traders could not manage any communication with the 10 banks which operate international trade between the two countries.

Bangladesh has a long history of bilateral trade with Afghanistan. The country imports multiple products including dry food and carpet from Afghanistan.

Dozens of Afghan students are studying at different institutions in Bangladesh while 170 nongovernmental organisaitons are working in Afghanistan.

Bangladesh on alert

Foreign ministry has said, the government is closely monitoring the situation in Kabul.

On Monday, the ministry urged all stakeholders to keep peace to ensure security to all oversees nationals.