KABUL (SW): In the presence of President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, an agreement to establish industrial carpet weaving estates was inked here on Monday.
The agreement has been signed among the ministries of Urban Development Affairs, Commerce and Industry, the Independent Land Authority and the carpet exporters’ union. The deal would pave the way for the growth of this traditional industry, and provide jobs to thousands of citizens.
These estates are promised to have designated areas for production units, residences, green belts and other basic facilities. Officials hope this move would also attract investment in this sector. Jawad Paikar, director of the Independent Land Authority said on the occasion that in the initial phase these estates would be established on 3500 jeribs of land in Nangarhar, Balkh and Kunduz provinces.
“In the second phase some 5500 jeribs of land would be made available for the purpose in the next ten years”, he noted. The project is estimated to cost some $ 200 million. Those establishing production units on these lands would not be allowed to sell or mortgage the property.
Esmatullah Batoor, head of the carpet exporters’ union, said on the occasion that 80 percent of the workforce associated with this industry is women. “Despite some growth in the export of the Afghan carpets, it continues to be mainly weaved in homes, and those women associated with it are still struggling”, he said.
Batoor stressed that the government should also ensure availability of the raw material and access to markets.
ENDS
