Speech by the Deputy PM for Economic Affairs at the Foundation-Laying Ceremony of the Gulbahar Cement Production Factory:

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

To the respected Governor of Herat Province, respected officials of government institutions, esteemed elders, Mujahideen, representatives of the media, distinguished guests, and all attendees:

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh!

It is a matter of great happiness that today, in response to an important need of our time, we are taking another important step toward cement production and self-sufficiency in our beloved country by laying the foundation stone for the construction of the new Gulbahar Cement production factory in Herat Province.

First and foremost, I congratulate all our compatriots on the commencement of the practical work to construct this important factory, and I extend my gratitude to all relevant institutions that have made efforts in this regard.

Distinguished attendees,

Industrialization is among the foremost objectives of every country. Countries that have manufacturing plants across various sectors not only meet the needs of their people domestically but also export their surplus production to other countries. Manufacturing plants play a fundamental role in increasing national production and national revenues, strengthening the national economy, and promoting balanced economic growth.

The commencement today of the construction of the new Gulbahar Cement production factory in Herat Province is an important economic step toward self-sufficiency and industrialization in cement production. It will reduce the country’s reliance on foreign imports, contribute effectively to the development of construction activities and infrastructure, help stabilize cement prices, prevent the excessive outflow of foreign currency, create employment opportunities for a large number of our compatriots, and, more broadly, turn the vision of an industrial Afghanistan into reality through projects of this kind.

The Gulbahar Cement production factory will have a daily production capacity of 4,000 tons and will create direct and indirect employment opportunities for 5,000 compatriots. All construction work is expected to be completed and the factory put into operation within 18 months, God willing.

Dear attendees,

Afghanistan is considered one of the region’s resource-rich and strategically important countries in terms of its natural resources and trade connectivity. The sustainable and independent management of the country’s geography has historically been of great importance to Afghanistan’s economic and political survival, and this unfinished and incomplete chapter still requires serious attention and strong economic and political will.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is continuously striving to develop the country’s economic infrastructure by making effective use of its available resources and national budget and is taking strong and strategic steps in this regard. From the perspective of modern economic relations, we view the political and economic geography of our country as an economic and commercial gateway. We have transformed our geographical borders into centers of trade and commercial relations and have reduced the level of border-related risks to zero. We have never sought to link trade with political issues; rather, we have always sought to maintain regional and international relations through appropriate economic diplomacy.

Alhamdulillah, our country enjoys security. The environment for domestic and foreign investment is more favorable than ever before. Tax reductions, exemptions, and other necessary facilities have been increased, and we are making further efforts to mitigate the effects of financial and banking restrictions and find appropriate solutions to existing challenges.

Respected attendees,

There is no doubt that Afghans are one nation; they share one another’s pain, sorrow, and happiness. No one here is separate from another. Afghanistan’s contemporary history has demonstrated to this nation who has inflicted harm upon it and who has helped heal its wounds. Our people are vigilant and have learned from bitter experiences. On the one hand, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is capable of maintaining the current peaceful situation across the country, while on the other hand, our people themselves no longer allow troublemaking groups to operate on their soil.

Finally, I strongly urge all parties concerned with the construction of this factory to carry out all work with full integrity and in accordance with approved standards, and to avoid any form of negligence, whether operational or technical.

May Allah Almighty grant you happiness and prosperity in this world and in the hereafter.

Wassalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.