en.Wedoany.com Reported - Steel production in Balkh Province, Afghanistan, has achieved self-sufficiency in meeting domestic demand for rebar, with currently operating factories producing approximately 6,000 tons per day. Najmuddin Sediq, head of the Balkh Steel Producers Association, stated that the province's steel smelting industry currently has four factories in operation, three others engaged in profile and pipe production, and about eight new factories under construction. Officials said the output of these factories meets most of the market demand in northern Afghanistan, and it is expected that another eight factories will become operational in the near future.
The main obstacles to production stem from electricity shortages, insufficient industrial land, and difficulties in obtaining raw materials. Factory owners have called on the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to initiate domestic iron ore mining. Factory owner Abdul Hadi Ahmadi pointed out that the Islamic Emirate should sign an agreement with a country to jointly mine iron ore, thereby resolving the issue of relying on imports from Iran for raw materials.
Existing factories have directly or indirectly created thousands of jobs. Workers welcome the employment opportunities and hope investors will increase their investments within Afghanistan to expand production and create more jobs. Worker Sanaullah said that working in his own country eliminates the need to go abroad for work, and investments in Afghanistan can create jobs for compatriots, preventing them from taking dangerous routes abroad. Another worker, Entezar, expressed great happiness and hoped neighboring countries could help them make progress.
Local officials in Balkh stated that they visit factories twice a month to identify and address challenges faced by industrialists, assess business operations, and pledged continued support for the province's industry and investment. Noorulhadi Abu Idris, Deputy Governor of Balkh, said that by directly listening to factory owners' concerns during visits, necessary measures can be taken to provide support.
According to official data, there are currently 50 steel production and smelting factories operating nationwide in Afghanistan, fully meeting domestic demand for rebar products.
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