Business
$8 billion to be invested this year for development of economic infrastructure: MoIC

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) officials say this year they have taken measures to develop economic infrastructure in order to provide an investment field worth $8 billion US dollars in agriculture, mining and processing sectors.
According to MoIC officials, if this investment takes place, a great change will take place in the country’s economic development.
“Eight billion dollars will be invested this year and the practical works of many projects have started,” said Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, a spokesman for the MoIC.
“We hope that our business process and our investment process this year will be much better compared to last year.”
Khanjan Alkozi, a member of Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) has welcomed the implementation of development and infrastructure projects this year by commerce ministry,
“Implementation of projects for the Afghan economy is a positive step, if these projects are implemented, fundamental and effective changes will be made in the unemployment sector and the growth of the Afghan economy,” said Alkozi.
Economic experts have also said that when the commerce ministry is able to provide an investment of eight billion dollars, it will be considered an important economic development in the country.
Earlier, MoIC had said that it would convert the former military base of foreign forces into economic zones, but so far no practical steps have been taken in this regard.
A number of traders meanwhile say that large investments should be made in the country in order to strengthen the Afghan economy more quickly.
Business
Five-day expo in Herat of domestic products draws good response

Herat Chamber of Industries and Mines says a five-day expo of domestically manufactured goods has drawn over 20,000 visitors and that business owners have signed dozens of contracts with investors and traders from other provinces.
“The booths were very good, the facilities were very good, people had all visited, participated from Herat and other provinces, and many of the contracts were signed at this expo,” said Toryali Ghousi, deputy of Herat Chamber of Industries and Mines.
Officials also said that the factory owners have displayed their products in 120 booths.
Dairy and other consumable products along with plastic goods, medicines and home appliances were among the items showcased at this expo.
Business owners have welcomed initiatives to hold expos and say more are needed so as to encourage people to buy domestic products.
“If these expos are always held and people come to see the domestic products, Inshallah, we will be able to stop the goods coming from abroad and move towards self-sufficiency,” said one business owner.
“Most of the people are not aware of domestic products and when expos are held, they become aware of domestic products,” said another participant.
Business
Process of exporting fresh fruit to world markets kicks off: MoIC

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) says the process of exporting fresh fruit to world markets has started.
The ministry’s spokesman Abdul Salam Jawad said that they are trying to market the country’s fresh fruits in order to export them at a reasonable price.
“Fortunately, we were able to export 20 tons of cherries to Kazakhstan, and our other fresh fruit is black cherry, which are ripe and almost ready to package, and we will export them to the United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan,” he said.
The Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock also said that when problems with the issuing of visas by countries to Afghan businessmen are resolved, they can export more products.
“We have invested in the packaging and in the cold storage areas, and we have the ability to adjust and export this packaging to Europe and America based on global standards,” said Omid Haidari, head of foreign relations of the Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock.
“Unfortunately, due to the lack of air corridors and subsidies from the Ministry of Agriculture, we indirectly export fruits to India and Pakistan, and later Indian and Pakistani businessmen buy from us and export to Europe,” he added.
However, a number of investors say that if the country’s fresh fruit is not marketed, farmers and businessmen will face losses.
“Seven kilos of our watermelons are sold for fifty afghanis, seven kilos of our watermelons from Farah to here [Kabul] cost forty afghanis as fare; the farmer is really very poor,” said a trader.
According to experts, if fresh fruit and other products of Afghanistan are regularly exported, the country’s national income will increase.
Business
Over 3,600 boxes of silkworms distributed to Herat farmers this year

Herat Directorate of Agriculture and Livestock says more than 3,500 boxes of silkworms have been distributed to farmers this year in Zinda Jan, Injil, Guzara and Pashtun Zarghun districts of the province.
This directorate has said that 80 percent of silk work is done in Zinda Jan district.
“We were able to grow about 3,600 boxes with the help of institutions, about 80 percent of which we have grown in Zinda Jan district,” said Khalil Ahmad, general director of Herat agriculture directorate.
“About 20 percent of silkworms have been grown in Injil, Guzara and Pashtun Zarghun districts, which has had good results and the financial status of the farmers has improved.”
The local officials said most work in the silk industry is done by women.
“Almost 60 percent of the silk industry is done by women,” said Ahmad Shah Qawami, head of the silk workers’ union for Zinda Jan district.
This year, the families who are engaged in raising silkworms hope to have good production, now that the silk season is over and many are working to separate the silk thread.
However, the farmers are not satisfied with this year’s market conditions.
“The silk market is weak this year, it was good last year, it was very advanced,” said a silk worker.
The silk industry in Herat has a history dating back 600 years, and many families have preserved this ancient profession.
Silkworms usually feed on the leaves of mulberry trees, which grow in these regions. The industry also provides a livelihood to hundreds of men and women in the area.
-
Science & Technology4 days ago
Microsoft chief says deep fakes are biggest AI concern
-
Latest News5 days ago
Amid ongoing water rights dispute, Iran says it ‘does not recognize’ IEA govt
-
Latest News4 days ago
US wants to destabilize whole region using terrorists in Afghanistan: Russian minister
-
Health5 days ago
IEA reports third polio case this year
-
Climate Change2 days ago
Pacific islands, in spotlight, to push climate change in South Korea summit
-
Business4 days ago
120 Chinese companies held investment talks with IEA since takeover
-
Latest News4 days ago
TVET calls for technical training curriculum support
-
Regional3 days ago
Belgian aid worker held in Iran freed in prisoner swap