Speech of the Deputy PM for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund at the Inauguration Ceremony of Bakht Blanket Manufacturing Factory

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Respected officials of the Islamic Emirate, mujahideen, esteemed elders, representatives of the media, and honorable guests:

Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you all!

I hope you are all well. It gives me immense pleasure to participate today in the inauguration of a significant blanket manufacturing factory, which marks a vital step toward developing domestic production and industry in Afghanistan. This initiative reduces our country's reliance on foreign imports and strengthens the national industrial sector.

First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the factory's management and my fellow citizens on the commencement of operations at this important manufacturing facility.

This blanket production factory represents an investment of 930 million Afghanis, with an initial daily production capacity of 1,000 units and direct employment opportunities for approximately 900 individuals.

To support domestic industries, this factory has received essential machinery worth 100 million Afghanis through a Murabaha Islamic financing contract facilitated by the Agricultural Development Fund (ADF) of Afghanistan. This financial assistance aims to alleviate the financial burden of investment costs.

What is particularly noteworthy is that this factory utilizes locally sourced raw materials, including wool and cotton. This will significantly contribute to the development of the livestock and agricultural sectors, indirectly creating further employment opportunities.

Implementing effective import substitution policies, supporting domestic industries, and promoting their growth are critical measures for strengthening the national economy and achieving economic independence. When investment levels rise in the country, they simultaneously generate employment opportunities, reduce poverty and unemployment, address social challenges, decrease dependence on foreign imports, curb the outflow of foreign currency, and ultimately foster economic growth and development.

Praise be to Allah, you are all witnesses to the reality that peace prevails in our homeland, administrative corruption has been significantly reduced, and a favorable environment exists for large-scale, medium, and small-scale investments. As always, I call upon all honorable traders and investors of the country to invest in our beloved homeland. This will not only enable you to engage in lawful and profitable business ventures but also make a meaningful contribution to the economic development of our country.

In conclusion, I extend my gratitude to the management of this factory for making this vital investment in the country. I urge them to fulfill their national responsibilities by ensuring the production of high-quality goods that meet accepted standards. By doing so, they will cater to domestic demand and create opportunities for exporting surplus products to foreign markets.

On behalf of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, I reassure the management of this factory and all other investors that the Islamic Emirate will provide any necessary cooperation when needed, Insha’Allah.

Thank you for your attention.
Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you all.