Afghanistan's second steel plant began operating giving the country an additional 5% capacity to meet its own steel demand.

Mr Anwarul Haq Ahadi commerce and industries minister of Afghanistan said that the establishment of the factory in western Herat province will help the country to reduce its iron and steel imports while also providing more employment opportunities for Afghans.

He said that the factory is effective for both Herat and the whole country's economy. The country's second factory has a capital worth of USD 8 million largely funded by an Afghan trader and employs 100 people.

Mr Daoud Saba Herat governor said that he was optimistic at the growth of commerce in Herat saying that more efforts will be made to begin other development projects.

Mr Esmatullah Wardak the factory chief said that the plant mainly produces rods and poles for construction from the raw material of old iron. In total he had already invested up to USD 25 million in the factory.

Source - Tolonews.com

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