August 22, 2003	Friday	Jumadi-us-Sani 23, 1424

ISLAMABAD, Aug 21: Pakistan exported $4.280 million worth beverages — alcoholic and non-alcoholic — to Afghanistan during the year 2002-03.

Official statistics made available to Dawn showed that there was heavy demand for beverages as in 2001-02 Pakistan exported only $1.108 million worth beverages to Afghanistan.

According to the statistics, Pakistan’s total exports to Afghanistan surged by 86.49 per cent during the year 2002-03 to $315.699 million against $169.281 million of the corresponding year.

Further breakup showed that Pakistan trade with Afghanistan has turned into a huge surplus of $110.876 million in 2000-01 and $146.423 million in 2001-02, respectively. And the trade had achieved a major surplus of $280.882 million in 2002-03.

Afghanistan’s exports to Pakistan stood at $34.817 million during the year under review against $22.858 million in 2001-02, showing an increase of 52.3 per cent.

The statistics showed that during 2002-03 Pakistan exported $16.155 million worth animals to Afghanistan against $2.713 million the previous year, showing an increase of 495 per cent.

Rice export to Kabul recorded 20 per cent increase to $32 million during 2002-03 against $26.612 million the previous year; sugar raw and refined exports stood at $7.131 million against $2.791 million of last year, showing an increase of 155 per cent.

The export of petroleum and petroleum products to Kabul stood at $56.530 million during 2002-03 against $8.372 million the previous year, showing an increase of 575 per cent; export of animal and vegetable fats and oils stood at $24.777 million against $12.293 million of last year, showing an increase of 101 per cent; fertilizer exports stood at $4.173 million against $1.641 million of last year, showing an increase of 154 per cent.

Other products exported to Afghanistan during 2002-03: tarpaulins and tents, $5.573 million; construction materials, $11.841 million; glass and glassware, $2.616 million; iron and steel, $6.817 million; manufactures of non-ferrous metals, $5.963 million; and machinery and parts, $6.367 million.

Kabul’s major export to Pakistan during the period under review: fruits and vegetables; $12.880 million; raw cotton, $4.484 million; and carpets and rugs, $1.116 million.