The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, on Monday officially inaugurated construction work of the Yatim Taq cement factory in northern Jawzjan province.

Baradar emphasized that strengthening domestic industry and supporting local production are essential pillars for Afghanistan’s economic growth and its gradual transition toward a production-based economy.

He stated that the launch of this major industrial project reflects ongoing efforts to expand domestic manufacturing capacity, reduce reliance on imports, and promote sustainable economic development.

According to him, the Islamic Emirate’s economic policy is focused on developing local industries and ensuring that raw materials are processed inside the country rather than exported in unprocessed form.

Baradar also called on the international community to strengthen economic engagement with Afghanistan through formal channels, highlighting what he described as the country’s improved security environment, political stability, and untapped economic potential.

He warned that restricting global economic cooperation, pursuing exclusionary policies, and prolonging sanctions would not resolve international economic challenges, but instead create new risks and weaken regional and global collaboration.

At the end of the ceremony, he congratulated citizens on the launch of the project and urged relevant authorities and the contracting company to ensure high-quality construction and timely completion.

The Yatim Taq cement factory is being developed with a $160 million investment by a Turkish company. Once completed, it is expected to produce 3,000 tons of cement per day and generate around 5,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

The project is planned for completion within two years.

Habibullah Agha, Minister of Education of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), says that in the current era it is not possible to defend a country using only Kalashnikov rifles and so-called “yellow barrels,” which the Islamic Emirate widely used in bombings in its fight against foreign occupation.

He made the remarks on Sunday during a ceremony held in Bamyan province.

According to him, such weapons or systems would only be effective if an enemy were physically present inside national territory. “If the enemy is in the sea or in another location and launches rockets from there, or uses aircraft to bomb us, we will have to develop and produce our own defensive equipment,” he said.

The minister further stated that Iran has developed a defense system that, in his view, even the United States has been unable to overcome.

He also criticized divisions among Muslims, claiming that disagreements have escalated to the point where some are cooperating with the United States in actions against Iran.