KABUL (SW) – Parvez Khwajazada, head of the Steel Mills’ Association, on Saturday warned this industry is facing an eminent decline over the government’s alleged negligence.
Addressing a presser, he said rampant imports, the system of dumping and unchecked smuggling of iron scrap to the neighboring countries have been hitting the local industry badly. He said the local industry only has access to 14 provinces in the country while rest of the 20 provinces are witnessing an unchecked smuggling of iron out of the country.
He mentioned up to $ 450 million have been invested in some 38 iron mills across the country, and if the government failed to address their concerns, these mills would face eminent closure. Khwajazada said this would deprive up to 12,000 workers in these mills of their jobs.
Head of the SMA said the neighboring countries want to dismantle this nascent industry here to secure their lucrative export markets.
The vice president of SMA, Esmatullah Wardak, said on the occasion hundreds of trucks cross over to Pakistan via the Spin Boldak crossing point unchecked smuggling iron scrap. He said the SMA are not struggling for individual gains, but for the survival of this key industry in the country.
According to the SMA officials, the domestic industry is meeting up to 40 per cent local demand, and if necessary support is provided, it can provide for up to 70 per cent of domestic needs.
ENDS
