Baradar inaugurates construction of second Jabal Seraj cement plant

Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, on Thursday inaugurated the construction of the second large-scale cement production plant in Jabal Seraj district of Parwan province.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Baradar described the project as an important step toward strengthening Afghanistan’s industrial sector, achieving economic self-reliance and expanding domestic production.

He said Afghanistan has significant potential for industrial development because of its abundant natural resources, skilled workforce and strategic geographic location.

“Since the Islamic Emirate came to power, security has been ensured across the country, administrative corruption has declined to an unprecedented level, bureaucratic procedures have been simplified, and a safe and favorable environment for investment has been created,” Baradar said.

He added that the Islamic Emirate is working to transform Afghanistan from an import-dependent economy into one based on domestic production and exports.

Describing cement as a key material for infrastructure and construction projects, Baradar said expanding domestic production would reduce imports, prevent the outflow of foreign currency and create thousands of jobs.

He also called on foreign investors to invest in Afghanistan.

“The Islamic Emirate calls on all foreign investors to invest in Afghanistan’s various economic sectors,” he said.

Baradar stressed that economic growth requires joint efforts from the government, the private sector and the public.

“Economic development cannot be achieved by the government alone. The government, the private sector and the people must work together. If we properly manage our natural resources, expand industry and strengthen the culture of production, Afghanistan can become a strong industrial country in the region,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs Abdul Salam Hanafi said the new factory will have the capacity to produce 5,000 tonnes of cement every 24 hours, enabling it to meet a significant share of Afghanistan’s domestic demand.

“Since the Islamic Emirate returned to power and security has been ensured across the country, everyone has contributed to development and reconstruction according to their capacity, but we still do not have sufficient cement production inside the country,” Hanafi said.

He added that several cement factories have been established across Afghanistan over the past few years.

Ahmad Jan Bilal, Director General of State-Owned Companies, said Afghanistan is expected to become self-sufficient in cement production in the near future, eliminating the need to import cement from other countries.

Minister of Energy and Water Mohammad Younus Akhundzada said Afghanistan possesses abundant resources for electricity generation and should also strive to achieve self-sufficiency in the energy sector.

WATCH: Afghanistan’s deputy prime minister speaks at inauguration ceremony, says the country has taken an important step towards self-sufficiency