Speech by the Deputy PM for Economic Affairs at the Foundation-Laying Ceremony of the Industrial Park in Kunduz

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

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

We are pleased to witness today an important and fundamental step toward Afghanistan’s economic development, industrial expansion, and the creation of opportunities for investment. The commencement of work on the establishment of a 10,000-jerib industrial park in Kunduz does not merely signify the creation of an economic zone; rather, it represents a practical step toward the economic prosperity and competitiveness of our country.

The Islamic Emirate has allocated land for industrial parks in various provinces of the country with the aim of creating employment opportunities and promoting industrial growth. Today, fortunately, we are inaugurating the commencement of practical work on one of these projects in Kunduz province.

Afghanistan is dependent on imports in many sectors. In order to reduce the need for imports and strengthen domestic production, it is essential to expand industrial activities.

Distinguished attendees!

The Islamic Emirate has taken, and continues to take, numerous steps to make effective use of the country’s natural resources and human capacities and to reduce unemployment.

Strengthening and expanding domestic production is essential for the economic independence of countries, and it also creates employment opportunities. Afghanistan possesses abundant resources for production, processing, and packaging. In some sectors, our domestic production has increased considerably and has even created opportunities for exports. However, this is not sufficient. We must increase the level of domestic production in other sectors as well, reduce the need for imports, and ensure that the quality of our products meets established standards.

Industrial parks play an important role in expanding domestic production, attracting investment, and creating employment opportunities. In this industrial park in Kunduz province, opportunities will be provided for investment in textiles, pharmaceuticals, food products, construction materials, iron and steel, and other productive sectors.

This park will have the necessary service and infrastructure facilities. A mosque, administrative and commercial areas, a health center, bank, school, madrasa, and other essential services have been taken into consideration.

Respected industrialists and investors!

Afghanistan offers extensive investment opportunities in terms of its natural resources, human capacities, and strategic geographical location. The country has a young workforce that can be utilized for the development and reconstruction of the country.

With the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate, favorable opportunities have been created for economic activities, trade, and investment. Now is a good opportunity for all investors and industrialists to invest in Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate has approved incentives for investors and has created facilities for them in many sectors.

Respected compatriots!

In recent years, alongside domestic investors, a number of foreign investors have invested in various sectors, particularly in energy, mining, and pharmaceuticals. The continuation of these investments demonstrates that there are favorable opportunities for investment in Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate supports the legitimate activities of all investors and provides them with opportunities for investment.

I call upon all domestic and foreign investors and industrialists to make use of the opportunities available in Afghanistan and invest in productive and industrial sectors.

Finally, I extend my congratulations to all our compatriots, investors, and industrialists on the commencement of practical work on this important project. I hope that this industrial park will play an important role as a center for industry, production, employment, and economic growth in Kunduz and throughout the country.

I call upon the relevant authorities to complete the work on this industrial park on time and in accordance with the approved standards.

And peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.