Officials from the Steel Industry Association state that steel production in Afghanistan has experienced remarkable growth in recent years and now possesses not only the capacity to meet domestic demand but also an increasing potential to export to international markets.
According to Abdul Nasir Rishtia, Chairman of the Association, there are currently 48 operational iron-smelting plants across the country, playing a pivotal role in the production of steel products. He further noted that a contract for the import of 150,000 metric tons of steel billets between Turkmenistan and Afghanistan has been signed, and the transportation process is already underway.
Rishtia added that approximately 60,000 metric tons of steel billets were exported to Pakistan last year alone, underscoring the growing export capacity of Afghanistan’s steel industry.
Officials from several iron-smelting factories have also emphasized that steel products manufactured in Afghanistan meet international quality standards and are capable of competing effectively in regional markets.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Balkh Province Steel Factories Association report that four iron-smelting plants are currently operating in the province. During the inauguration ceremony of a newly established factory, local Taliban authorities encouraged Afghan investors and business leaders to expand their investments in the steel sector. They noted that while metal scrap was previously exported abroad, it is now being processed domestically into a wide range of steel products.
Industry officials further maintain that the expansion of the steel sector has not only accelerated industrial development but has also created new opportunities for employment generation and broader economic growth throughout the country.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
