KABUL (Pajhwok): Construction work on the Yatim Taq cement production plant was launched at a cost of $160 million in northern Jawzjan province on Monday, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs said.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar said strengthening domestic industry and supporting local production were essential for economic growth and a gradual transition to a production-based economy, stressing the need to address existing challenges in the sector.
“As part of fulfilling this major responsibility, practical work on this important factory began in Jawzjan today. It will play a significant role in strengthening domestic industry, reducing dependence on imports, and supporting economic growth,” he said.
He added that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) was focused on strengthening domestic industry and working to shift from exporting raw materials toward domestic processing of resources.
Mullah Baradar called on the international community to enhance engagement with Afghanistan within the framework of formal economic cooperation and to benefit from the country’s “unprecedented security and political stability” and its economic potential.
He said restrictions in the global and regional political and economic environment, the application of exclusionary policies at the international level and the continuation of sanctions could not resolve global political and economic challenges, but instead created threats and reduced opportunities for regional and international cooperation.
According to officials, a Turkish company is investing $160 million in the Yatim Taq cement plant, which will produce 3,000 tonnes of cement per day and create around 5,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The project is expected to be completed within two years.
kk/sa
