BY Kuldeep Singh Yadav
A significant milestone in Afghanistan’s industrial sector has been achieved with the inauguration of a $50 million oil refinery in Balkh province. The new facility, capable of processing 600 tons of crude oil daily, promises to bolster the local economy while providing over 1,000 employment opportunities.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by local officials, investors, and business leaders, underscoring the significance of this development for the region. Suhrab Samadi, head of the refinery, shared insights into the project, stating, “This company was built on a 50,000-square-meter area with an initial cost of $15 million and a total investment of $50 million over seven months.”
The refinery’s scale and potential mark a new era for Afghanistan’s industrial landscape. To further support such initiatives, Mohammad Taher Roshanzada, Deputy Head of the Afghanistan Chamber of Industries and Mines, urged the Islamic Emirate government to provide tax exemptions for two to three years, allowing businesses to establish a sustainable foothold.
In support of industrial development, local officials announced the allocation of 200,000 acres for industrial parks nationwide, with 20,000 acres designated for Balkh province alone. Mohammad Yousuf Wafa, Governor of Balkh, encouraged Afghan expatriates to return and invest in their homeland. “All facilities are available for them to invest,” he stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment.
Ahmad Zia, Head of Investment Facilitation at the Administrative Office of the Prime Minister, highlighted ongoing progress across Afghanistan, pointing to projects like Qosh Tepa, TAPI, Salang, and Wakhan as indicators of the country’s development trajectory.
Workers expressed optimism about the refinery’s inauguration and its potential to alleviate unemployment. Shah Mohammad, one of the employees, called on other investors to follow suit: “They should invest here [inside the country] so that employment is generated, and our fellow citizens have access to jobs.”
Refinery officials echoed these sentiments, urging the interim government to extend further support to enhance operational efficiency. The facility, built on an expansive 50,000-square-meter site, stands as a testament to Afghanistan’s potential for industrial growth and self-reliance. This project represents a pivotal step toward economic revitalization, offering hope for a brighter future fueled by local and international investment.
