A Kandahar textile factory has resumed operations after a 45-year hiatus, provincial officials confirmed on Thursday.
The factory, which has 3,000 machines in total, currently has 400 machines operational and is actively producing fabric. This revival follows decades of inactivity caused by ongoing conflict.
The reactivated factory is set to supply fabric and clothing to key Afghanistan ministries, including public health, national defense, interior, and the general directorate of intelligence.
Factory officials stated that with contracts from these ministries, they could expand operations to up to 2,600 machines and create job opportunities for 12,000 people.
Among the 400 operational machines, 64 are dedicated to processing cotton, capable of producing large quantities of fabric.
The reopening of the factory has been positively received by Kandahar residents, who anticipate that it will create local job opportunities and boost the regional economy.
Originally established in 1975, the factory was forced to shut down due to the war. Its reopening symbolizes progress in overcoming past industrial disruptions.
The revival of the Kandahar textile factory represents a significant step towards restoring Afghanistan’s industrial capabilities.
However, the industrial revival in Afghanistan faces numerous challenges. Entrepreneurs and employers in the country struggle with severe hardships, including unreliable electricity, inadequate facilities, and a high tax rate that burdens businesses.
Additionally, Afghanistan’s dependency on exports from neighboring countries and a lack of governmental focus on industrial development exacerbate the difficulties faced by businesses. Addressing these issues is crucial for sustaining economic growth and improving the conditions for local entrepreneurs.
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