On April 24, 2008 the Export Promotion Agency of Afghanistan in cooperation with U.S. Department of Commerce held a training for 30 Afghan exporters on the U.S. marketplace for dried fruits and nuts (standards, organic & fair trade certification, trade shows, export competitiveness, etc.), trade statistics, and Generalized Systems of Preferences (GSP). The dried fruits and nuts sector has the potential to have a significant impact on Afghanistan’s economy. Afghanistan can grow into a major world supplier of quality dried fruits and nuts. Afghanistan’s dried fruit often sell at low prices because of poor processing, packaging and subsequent poor appearance. The aim of this training was to raise awareness among dry fruits and nuts exporters in regard to US market and how Afghan exporters can penetrate this market. Issues such as processing, packaging and standards were discussed in detail. EPAA’s vision is to promote and increase Afghan exports to US and also maximize the benefits offered under GSP.
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