Concerned over Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, Ludhiana exporters have suspended processing of orders they had received earlier. Vinod Thapar, President Knitwear and Shawl Club says, Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan has created panic amongst exporters who have suspended the processing of the recent orders received from Afghanistan. Taliban might change rules and regulations related to international trade and incase civil war breaks out, shops and businesses might be shut down. However, the situation might normalize and trade resume without any problems once the Taliban appoints all ministers and government officials, he adds.

Harish Kairpal, Finance Secretary, Knitwear Club, adds Afghanistan accounts for sizeable exports from Ludhiana’s garment and textile industry. This fiscal, manufacturers have exported jerseys and other allied products of synthetic fibres worth about Rs 125 crore and sweaters and cardigans worth over Rs 33 crore. Advance payments of several crores of Afghanistan traders are lying with the Ludhiana industry. Exporters are under pressure to either process their orders or return their money, he adds.