Increased duty on tomato paste imports to bolster local industry

KANDAHAR (Pajhwok): A newly-established tomato paste producing factory officials in southern Kandahar province say their daily production has reached 100 tonnes, asking the government to increase custom duty on tomato paste imports.

Bashir Ahmad Safi, owner of the factory, said they purchased machinery for the factory three years ago, but started producing tomato paste this year.

“We have invested $6 million in this factory and its capacity can reach 350 tonnes in 24 hours, right now we produce only 100 tonnes of tomato paste on a daily basis,” Safi said.

He said they purchase tomatoes from farmers in Kandahar, Helmand, Farah, Ghazni, Logar, Maidan Wardak and some other provinces.

He added they planned to increase production and if the government provided more electricity, they would be able to export their product to other countries as well. “The quality of our tomato paste is better than the quality of imported tomato paste and is also cheaper”.

The government must increase custom duty on tomato paste imports to help the domestically produced tomato paste, he said.

Abdul Waris, a technician at the factory, said: “Many people work here and they are satisfied with their salaries, if more such factories are established, more employment opportunities will be created”.

Mohibullah, a worker, was thrilled with his easy and simple job.

Kandahar Chamber of Industries and Mines (ACIM) also urged the government to increase custom duty on imported items that were produced domestically.

Sayed Sarwar Amani, the chamber head, told Pajhwok Afghan News that tomato paste produced domestically was of high quality and the imports of similar products could be prevented by increasing custom duty on them.

He added: “It is important for all Afghans to use domestic products, work for the country and custom duty on imported good must also be increased for the development of this industry.”

He said competition with foreign products was tough as cheaper goods were imported to paralyze the domestic production. He asked the government to prevent such negative competition.

Officials of the tomato paste factory say they produce one tonne of tomato paste from seven tonnes of tomatoes and the products are sent to different regions of Afghanistan.

aw/ma