Business
Afghan carpetmakers raise concerns over shortage of wool due to smuggling
![](https://www.ariananews.af/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Afghan-carpet.jpg)
Afghanistan’s National Union of Carpet Manufacturers raised concerns on Thursday around the smuggling of woolen fleece from sheep into other countries, which has led to a shortage of the raw material for Afghan carpet weavers.
Afghan carpet producers said that farmers in Ghazni, Zabul, Farah, Kandahar, and Helmand provinces are harvesting the fleece and then smuggling it into other countries.
According to the union, they have as a result been forced to import Iraqi and Saudi yarn to use in the local carpet industry.
“Our (woollen) fleece is being smuggled to Pakistan and India, but we have to import yarn from Iraq and Saudi Arabia,” said Mohammad Naeemzada, on carpetmaker.
“The price of one square meter of carpet has increased by 600 AFN. Because we import yarn from other countries, due to smuggling of our own fleece,” said Noor Ahmad Noori, the head of the Afghan carpet producers union.
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) meanwhile said that they have also asked all customs offices at border points to clamp down on people exporting the raw material.
The spokesman for the MoF Ahmad Wali Haqmal said: “The Islamic Emirate needs time, the process [to prevent smuggling] needs time. We will solve the problems, and will prevent smuggling.”
Business
$23 million pharmaceutical company opens in Kabul
The Islamic Emirate officials also stated that while they fully cooperate with pharmaceutical companies, these manufacturers need to produce drugs that meet international standards.
![](https://www.ariananews.af/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pharmaceutical-company.jpg)
A new pharmaceutical company, costing $20 million, was officially opened on Thursday in Kabul in the presence of Islamic Emirate leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.
The new company will reportedly manufacture 50 different types of drugs once fully operational.
Addressing the launch ceremony on Thursday, Baradar outlined the importance of quality in terms of pharmaceuticals and said poor-quality drugs threaten lives while good-quality medicines can save lives.
Baradar also pointed out that more manufacturing companies like this will help grow the country’s economy.
He once again called on investors, both in the country and abroad, to help in the reconstruction and development of the country and start businesses. He also said the way has been paved for them to invest and that they should make use of the opportunities available.
Health officials meanwhile said that currently there are 77 pharmaceutical companies in the country and that serious efforts are being made to make the country self-sufficient in this regard.
The Islamic Emirate officials also stated that while they fully cooperate with pharmaceutical companies, these manufacturers need to produce drugs that meet international standards.
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Business
Sugar exports to Afghanistan resume after four year break
Islamabad banned the export of sugar to Afghanistan four years ago to address shortages and control prices in the country.
![](https://www.ariananews.af/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/imported-goods.jpg)
Sugar exports from Pakistan to Afghanistan resumed this week after a four-year suspension, with over 400 vehicles crossing the Torkham border in the last four days.
According to Pakistan sources, Islamabad recently agreed to the export of 150,000 tons of sugar to Afghanistan, setting an August 15 deadline for the completion of the shipment process.
Customs clearing agents at Torkham said around 100 vehicles, each carrying 33 tons of sugar, crossed into Afghanistan four days ago and more thereafter.
Islamabad banned the export of sugar to Afghanistan four years ago to address shortages and control prices in the country.
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Volume of imports from Pakistan has declined: official
Import, export volumes total $7.5 billion in 1st nine months of this solar year
Business
Chinese keen on investing in Afghanistan’s solar power sector
At the same time, the deputy minister welcomed their interest and stated that Afghanistan is a place of opportunities for investment and that the ministry is ready to cooperate.
![](https://www.ariananews.af/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/chinese-investors.jpg)
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce says that Ahmadullah Zahid, deputy minister, met with a number of Chinese investors in his office on Tuesday.
According to a statement issued by the ministry, Ehsanullah Shahab, the head of special economic zones, was also present in this meeting, where investors from China expressed their interest in investing in solar power generation and agriculture technology sectors.
At the same time, the deputy minister welcomed their interest and stated that Afghanistan is a place of opportunities for investment and that the ministry is ready to cooperate.
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