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UNCLASSIFIED. Kabul Fruit Traders Meet US Broker. Video Teleconference 4JAN13 Three Kabul fruit traders were brought to Camp Phoenix to participate in a grape export video teleconference and thereby meet US fruit broker.
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UNCLASSIFIED Kabul Fruit Traders Meet US Broker • Video Teleconference 4JAN13 • Three Kabul fruit traders were brought to Camp Phoenix to participate in a grape export video teleconference and thereby meet US fruit broker. • Afghan traders have been exporting mostly to Pakistan and a lesser amount to India and Dubai, but regional exports are “spot trading.” • Afghan traders learned: • International grape quality standards. • There is more profit in planning and “market based” approach than in spot trading. • Consumer acceptable grapes are planned months in advance and the crop is managed to produce the target product. • Packaging is specified by the customer, which requires advance communication. • Pre-cooling and perfect cold storage from harvest to store-door is critical to deliver quality fruit and keep customers. • US broker is willing to work with a few Afghan traders to test ship to India, China, Dubai and Russia grapes, apples and pomegranates during 2013 harvests. • Follow-on Activities Planned • Apple and Pomegranate video teleconferences. • US fruit broker invited Afghan traders to Chile 10MAR13 to review contra-season grape harvest and shipping and Afghans are planning to go. Agriculture - Kabul 4-JAN-13