Humble pine nut brings two countries together

MEHTARLAM, Afghanistan－For Afghan businesspeople such as Noor Mohammad, the resumption of exports via the air corridor to China is welcome news.

"The resumption of pine nut exports to China has encouraged local traders to further invest in the profitable seeds to increase their incomes and create job opportunities for others," said the 42-year-old trader Mohammad, describing China as a good market for Afghan pine nuts. "I have hired about 120 people to collect and clean pine nuts for me every day."

The air corridor between Afghanistan and China was launched in November 2018 aimed at boosting trade and economic relations, but it was suspended after the collapse of the US-backed Afghan administration to the Taliban in mid-August.