Refrigerated Containers Open the World’s Markets to Fresh Fruit From Afghanistan
![Men pack pomegranates into boxes at factory in Kandahar, Afghanistan, Nov. 13, 2007. [AP File Photo]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2010_1204_pome_afghan_m.jpg)
About the Author: Joyce Kim serves with the U.S. Agency for International Development in Kabul, Afghanistan.
On December 3, 2010, Afghan farmers and merchants took an important step forward in world trade by exporting Afghanistan's first-ever, 40-foot refrigerated container ("reefer") of pomegranates, destined for buyers in Canada. Subsequent reefer shipments will go to Dubai and Holland through the seaport in Karachi, Pakistan.
Canadians will soon enjoy the juiciest and tastiest pomegranates from Afghanistan. In the past, exporting chilled fresh fruit to distant markets was impossible, because Afghanistan did not have the required cold-chain infrastructure, trade agreements, or skilled merchants. Now, however, the U.S. Government is assisting with the infrastructure and trade policy essentials for Afghan exports of chilled fresh fruit. The… more »
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