Kabul, Oct. 1 -- Trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan declined slightly in the first half of this year, according to fresh statistics released by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Tolo News reported.

The ministry's data showed that bilateral trade reached USD 1.108 billion during the first six months of the year. This was down from more than USD 1.117 billion in the same period last year.

Pakistan remains one of Afghanistan's largest regional trade partners. However, recurring challenges have led to a drop in volumes.

Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, said: "The major export items to Pakistan included coal, cotton, processed talc stone, mung beans, cucumbers, beans, tobacco, an...