Speech of the Deputy PM for Economic Affairs at the Inauguration Ceremony of Two Electricity Projects in Logar Province:
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Respected Emirate officials, Mujahideen, investors, media representatives, and esteemed guests,
Peace and blessings be upon you all.
May Allah Almighty bless you with good health. I am pleased to be participating today in the inauguration ceremony of two electricity projects in Logar Province.
Electricity is a critical necessity in the modern, developed world. Without electricity, progress is not possible. For our country’s economic development and industrial activities, adequate electricity is indispensable.
The main reason why we have not achieved the level of economic growth we desire and remain behind global progress is the lack of sufficient electricity required for industrial development.
Afghanistan possesses abundant energy resources. Our country has significant potential to generate power from water, sunlight, and wind. Unfortunately, these resources have not been utilized effectively.
As a result, we still rely heavily on imported electricity. This dependence causes us to pay hundreds of millions of dollars annually to other countries in exchange for electricity.
Fortunately, following the end of the occupation and the restoration of stability, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has been able to pave the way for reconstruction and development efforts.
With the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate, the energy sector—along with other sectors—has witnessed considerable progress. Projects for renewable energy generation have been launched in various provinces. Recently, we inaugurated solar and wind energy projects in Herat Province.
In addition to energy generation, several projects related to the distribution, regulation, and delivery of electricity to industrial zones and citizens are underway. Inshallah, we will see further progress in the area of electricity generation in the near future.
Afghanistan has the capacity to generate enough renewable electricity to meet domestic demand and export surplus electricity to other countries. Achieving this goal requires effective water management and the efficient use of solar and wind energy. Alhamdulillah, the Islamic Emirate has developed long-term plans to realize this objective.
The Islamic Emirate intends to gradually reduce Afghanistan’s reliance on imported electricity. We are determined to make the country self-sufficient in terms of energy production.
There are excellent investment opportunities in the electricity generation sector alongside mining, agriculture, industry, and other sectors in Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate has created numerous facilities and incentives for investment in this field.
Moreover, incomplete and newly planned projects in the areas of dams, solar, and wind energy in various provinces offer investment opportunities for both domestic and foreign investors.
The launch of today’s 40-megawatt renewable energy project in Logar Province is a significant opportunity for the province and, more broadly, for the economic growth of Afghanistan.
Upon completion of these projects, electricity shortages in Logar will be partially alleviated, industrial activities will increase, and many citizens will gain employment opportunities.
Additionally, the implementation of these projects will boost Logar’s economic activity and resolve the electricity issues of the Mohammad Agha Industrial Park.
I urge the contracted company to give special attention to quality during the implementation of the projects and to complete the work within the stipulated timeframe.
Once again, I call upon domestic and international investors to take advantage of the existing investment opportunities in Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate assures you of its full support and cooperation in this regard.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the officials of Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat for their efforts in developing the electricity sector. Through adequate electricity generation, they are helping to expand economic activities in the country, which in turn can bring positive change to the lives of our citizens.
Wassalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh