By Hasina,Mohammad Yousuf Mangal
Copyright pajhwok
KHOST CITY (Pajhwok): The president of the Afghanistan’s Iron Smelting Union says that approximately $500 million has been invested in the country’s iron smelting sector so far, creating employment opportunities for around 70,000 people, both directly and indirectly.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of a new iron smelting representative office in Khost province on Tuesday, Abdul Nasir Reshtia, Executive Director of the Iron Smelting Union, said that 45 large iron smelting factories are currently operational across Afghanistan.
“In this sector, we have invested $500 million,” Reshtia said. “This has directly created jobs for 20,000 people, while another 50,000 are indirectly employed.”
He noted that the factories produce various iron products such as rods, angle irons, steel bars, and other materials. According to him, 150,000 tons of iron was exported to Turkmenistan and 60,000 tons to Pakistan last year.
Reshtia emphasized that Afghanistan is now self-sufficient in iron production, with iron imports reduced to zero.
“Alhamdulillah, our products meet international standards,” he said. “Our main competitor now is Russia, as neighboring countries cannot match us in terms of quality and standards.”
He also announced future plans to expand production to include railway tracks and iron sheets.
