KABUL (SW): Local firms in the construction sector are producing construction material worth $ 3 billion on the annual basis, a conference was told here on Sunday.
The second annual construction conference in Kabul was informed that Afghanistan is now completely self-sufficient in the production of plastic pipes, and up to 30 percent requirements for steel rods for construction are met locally. It was mentioned that with the establishment of two more iron molding plants, the country would be able to cover 50 percent of its requirements for steel rods locally.
Sakhi Ahmad Paiman, head of the association of investors in construction sector, said on the occasion that that notable progress has been made in this sector during the past few years. He however, acknowledged that some restrictions have still left them rely on imported cement, ceramics and some other construction materials. He urged upon the government to play its role in leading the construction sector to complete self-reliance.
Abdul Bari Rahman, director at the Ministry of Trade and Industries (MoTI), assured the participants that the government would strive towards resolving the issues hindering progress in this sector. He stressed that it is the government’s top priority to reach to self-reliance in construction material. It was mentioned that Afghanistan is still importing construction material worth some $ 3 billion annually mainly from Pakistan, Iran and Russia.
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