2 factories open in Kandahar industrial park

KANDAHAR CITY (Pajhwok): A poultry feed and a cottonseed oil-manufacturing factories have started operations in the industrial park of southern Kandahar province, with an investment of 3.4 million US dollars, an official announced on Tuesday.

Afghanistan Chamber of Industry and Mines Director Sherbaz Kaminzada told the opening ceremony the factories had been established on standard lines.

He said: “Previously, we imported these products from the foreign countries, but now we manufacture them domestically. We highly appreciate such efforts by investors.”

Mohammad Salim Karimi, head of the poultry feed production factory, said: “We have invested $3 million in this venture, providing employment for hundreds of people. We produce 300 tonnes of poultry feed in 12 hours.”

He added: “Our major challenge is a lack of electricity. If the electricity issue is resolved, many more investors will be encouraged to invest here."

Similarly, the head of the cottonseed oil-manufacturing factory, Haris Obaid, recalled they had previously worked in the same area. But now they have increased their investment.

He said: “We are ready to invest more, but the electricity issue must be resolved, and markets found for our products. If these issues are addressed, we will increase our investment significantly.”

Other industrialists in Kandahar also complain about electricity shortages. However, officials assured the meeting efforts would be made to resolve the problem.

kk/mud