Shurab Military base being turned into economic zone

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): The Shurab Military Base in southern Helmand province is being turned into one of the country’s eight economic zones over the next one and a half years, officials say.

A special commission has been tasked by President Ashraf Ghani with creating eight economic zones in the country. A grand meeting held at the Shurab Military Base discussed on the issue late on Tuesday.

Nasrullah Sahibzada, secretary of the Economic Commission who attended the meeting, said: “Creation of economic zones would start from here. This place has been built as a benchmark by foreigners, so it does not need more cost.”

He said the zone would export agricultural, industrial and mining products to the international market. “With activation of this economic station, around 250,000 people would find work opportunities,” he said.

Sahibzada said security situation would also get improve in Helmand province with activation of the economic zone.

Governor Hayatullah Hayat told the meeting that the economic zone would be a standard one where besides other services, domestic air flights would be made available.

Mohammad Khan Nasrat, the provincial economic head, said the zone’s construction would take 18 months to complete.

The center would contain cement, fruit processing, decoration and other factories, he said.

The area is located near Chabahar Port of Iran and goods would possibly be exported from the zone to foreign countries.

“Besides local factories, a number of foreign factories would also operate here,” Nasrat added.

Plans for security of the center have been shared with the central government, Nasrat said.

The Shurab Military Base has been built by foreign forces around nine years ago. It was handed over to Afghan forces in 2014.

mds/ma