Chinese businessman wants to invest $40 million in solar power sector in Afghanistan

A Chinese businessman has said in a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce that he wants to establish a solar power plant in Afghanistan and is willing to invest $40 million into the project.

Based on a statement released by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, this Chinese businessman said the project would create about 1,000 jobs.

Ahmadullah Zahid, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, said that considering the effects of climate change, there is a dire need to invest in clean energy production, adding that the ministry is committed to attracting investors to help develop and grow industry.

Experts believe that Afghanistan has abundant resources for energy production and could become self-sufficient in terms of electricity.

“In fact, Afghanistan is a country of opportunities and has large investment potential in various sectors, especially in the energy production sector, where Afghanistan still relies on imports. Afghanistan can produce energy from three basic sources, water, solar and wind,” said Abdul Nasir Rashtiya, an expert on economic affairs.

Currently, Afghanistan imports most of the electricity it needs from neighboring countries, and more than $300 million is spent annually on importing power.