Afghanistan: Afghan Gold, Gem Sales in Decline

May 23, 2020 | TOLOnews
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The gem and gold industries in Afghanistan are facing hurdles despite gold prices soaring in world markets, a jewelers' union said Saturday. Gems and gold sales have decreased by 60 percent over the past five years, but the industry has dramatically worsened in the past three months, say the businesspeople.  Just as the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted businesses across the work because of lockdowns, in Afghanistan the government has also put major cities in lockdown over the past two months and this has caused businesses to struggle to stay afloat.