KABUL, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan has exported its first shipment of natural stone to the United States from the western province of Herat, the provincial administration said on Wednesday.
The shipment consists of black stone extracted from a mine in Zindajan district of Herat province, according to a statement issued by the provincial administration.
Provincial officials described the export as a significant step toward boosting Afghanistan's mining sector and diversifying its export markets.
Afghanistan possesses abundant mineral resources, including marble, talc, chromite and precious stones, and the authorities have been seeking to expand exports as part of broader efforts to promote economic development and international trade. ■