In the first five months of the current solar year, Afghanistan exported 117,000 tons of marble, valued at $6.1 million. Currently, 108 marble processing factories are operating in Kabul and Herat, highlighting the potential of the stone sector to contribute to national exports and revenue.
Afghanistan is known for its natural materials, including white marble, but so far, investments in the extraction and processing of natural stones have been limited. To maximize this potential, the Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Investment has emphasized the importance of transforming these resources within the country before exporting them in raw form.
Economic experts, such as Mohammad Nabi Afghan, reiterate the need for a structured national plan for the processing and export of marble to establish a clear framework on destinations and exportable quantities. According to the expert, with proper planning and the necessary infrastructure, Afghan marble could consolidate its position as a competitive material in international markets.
The recently signed agreement with Turkmenistan for the export of 100,000 cubic meters of marble is just the beginning of what could be a significant growth path for Afghanistan’s economy.
Source: Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Afghanistan
