International-standard textile factory to begin operations in Kabul

An Afghan investor who has invested more than $80 million in building a textile factory in Kabul says the facility will begin fabric production in the near future.

Sayed Khan Parwani, the factory’s owner, said the project will create 12,000 direct jobs across three shifts once it becomes operational.

Construction of the factory, built on nearly 40 jeribs of land in Kabul, is about 90 percent complete.

Parwani said the infrastructure required for operations has been completed, machinery installation is underway, and modern equipment has been imported from abroad. He added that the factory will have the capacity to produce 50,000 square meters of fabric per hour.

“The six weaving halls are ready for operation, and we expect the factory to begin production within the next two months,” said Shah Wazir Amani, the factory’s technical engineer.

Factory officials said foreign specialists will initially oversee fabric production while local personnel receive training to gradually assume technical and operational responsibilities.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy says the textile industry is a key pillar of the country’s economic strategy and that efforts are underway to encourage greater investment in the sector.

“Industry, particularly the textile sector, holds an important place in the Islamic Emirate’s economic strategy and can play a significant role in economic growth, job creation, and achieving self-sufficiency,” said Abdul Latif Nazari, Deputy Minister of Economy.

Economic experts say expanding Afghanistan’s textile industry could boost economic growth, increase national revenues, and create thousands of jobs. They also say greater domestic fabric production would reduce reliance on imports and help keep capital within the country.

Analysts estimate that Afghanistan spends hundreds of millions of dollars annually on fabric imports, adding that the launch of large-scale textile factories could significantly reduce imports, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and support the country’s economy.