MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): The number of factories has more than doubled this solar year in northern Balkh province, a trader representative said on Tuesday.
In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, Dr. Mohammad Hashim Barna, the Balkh Chamber of Commerce and Industries head, said Mazar-i-Sharif, having the status of a central city in the northern zone, saw industrial factories flourishing during the outgoing year.
With increase in market demand, the number of industrial plants has doubled, compared to their number the previous Afghan calendar year, he added.
Barna said: “The number of factories was 150 until the end of 2012, but rose to 380 this year.” Most of the factories produced soaps, shampoos, washing powder, oil and plastic materials, he added.
Earlier, commercial goods would be imported to the province in 300 railroad bogies, but the number bogies decreased to 200 this year.
Barna also said exports of commercial goods from Balkh through the Hairatan port increased by 10 percent this year.
Presently, his department is working on a plan to encourage industrial factories to produce high-quality products. He promised the plan would be effective from April this year.
To a question, Barna said problems concerning imports and exports of goods through the Hairatan port had already been addressed.
He added up to 200 railroad bogies carrying commercial goods such as oil, food items and construction materials, arrived in Balkh on a daily basis. He said exports from Balkh included fresh and dried fruits, carpets and vegetables.
Barna said they were in touch with Uzbekistan consulate and the governor’s house on measures how to resolve problems together.
mm/rm/ma
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