KHOST CITY (SW) – Following decline in trade with Pakistan, a number of production units have developed in Khost province producing a variety of items.
At least 250 small and medium enterprises are functioning in the province. It includes units producing a variety of food items, shoes, garments, beverages, sports items and others providing job opportunities for thousands of people.
Two of the industrialists in the province, Gul Wali and Rehmanullah, told Salam Watandar many Khost residents have invested their fortune in the industry to help the country become self-sufficient in different areas. He, however, complained that the government has not helped the enterprises here. They said lack of electricity and space for factories are hindering progress.
Haji Asel Mohammad, head of the association of industry owners in Khost, said in this regard the lack of electricity, skilled labor, raw material and other issues continue to haunt the sector. He said the government should increase tariff on imported goods in a bid to promote domestic industry.
A while ago, a delegation of industrialists from Kabul visited Khost, said Raheem Samandar, head of the industrialists’ association in the capital. He said the electricity issues and allotment of industrial plots would be resolved in coming six months.
Commenting on this, Talib Mangal, spokesman for the provincial governor, said a total of 400 jeribs of land is in sight, and would soon be distributed among the industrialists.
Up to 40 per cent of factories here produce food items and utensils that are also exported abroad. There are a number of greenhouses here that have helped the province get away from reliance on Pakistan for fresh vegetables.
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