Kunduz shoemakers say their business recently stagnated

KUNDUZ (Pawjhwok): Shoemakers in northern Kunduz province say their business has stagnated during the last few months.

They say their business faced stagnation due to low sales and high prices of raw material, asking the government to support them.

Provincial officials admit the shoemakers’ concerns and say the government will provide its support.

Shah Mahmood, one of the shoe producers in Kunduz province, said his sales had dwindled in recent months. “I even cannot pay the shop rent”, he added.

He asked the government to support shoemakers and provide them facilities. He complained about high prices of raw materials and the imports of low quality and cheap goods from foreign countries.

“Since last 25 years, we have been producing good quality shoes and sandals as we use good quality domestic raw materials, our products are also expensive,” he said.

Some other shoe producers, like Shah Mahmood, also complained their sales had decreased and the prices of raw materials had skyrocketed.

Khalind, a businessman, told Pajhwok Afghan News the shoemaking industry had a long history in the country, but it faced challenges like lack of factories and raw materials.

Mohammad Rahim Seerat, Trade and Industry Department head, acknowledged the problems being faced by shoemakers, but promised to support them. “We assure all handicraft producers that their problems will be solved,” Seerat said.

Besides shoemakers, clay workers and blacksmiths also complain their businesses have stagnated recently.

aw/ma

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