People work at an iron-smelting plant in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, Sept. 17, 2025.
A total of 45 major iron-smelting plants are operational in Afghanistan, with over 500 million U.S. dollars invested in the sector, achieving full self-sufficiency, the chairman of the iron-smelting union announced Tuesday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
KABUL, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- A total of 45 major iron-smelting plants are operational in Afghanistan, with over 500 million U.S. dollars invested in the sector, achieving full self-sufficiency, the chairman of the iron-smelting union announced Tuesday.
Speaking at the inauguration of a new plant in eastern Khost province, Abdul Nasir Reshtia highlighted the industry's growth, noting that nearly 20,000 Afghans are directly employed, with another 50,000 benefiting indirectly through related jobs.
Over the past year, the country exported 210,000 tons of iron to Turkmenistan and Pakistan, underscoring its emerging role in regional trade, Reshtia noted.
According to the official report, around 6,000 industrial factories are active nationwide, driving Afghanistan to full self-sufficiency in 130 sectors and partial self-sufficiency in another 100.
The Afghan government continues to encourage domestic and foreign investments to combat poverty, create job opportunities, and bolster economic independence. ■
A man works at an iron-smelting plant in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, Sept. 17, 2025.
A total of 45 major iron-smelting plants are operational in Afghanistan, with over 500 million U.S. dollars invested in the sector, achieving full self-sufficiency, the chairman of the iron-smelting union announced Tuesday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
People work at an iron-smelting plant in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, Sept. 17, 2025.
A total of 45 major iron-smelting plants are operational in Afghanistan, with over 500 million U.S. dollars invested in the sector, achieving full self-sufficiency, the chairman of the iron-smelting union announced Tuesday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
This photo taken on Sept. 17, 2025 shows an interior view of an iron-smelting plant in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan.
A total of 45 major iron-smelting plants are operational in Afghanistan, with over 500 million U.S. dollars invested in the sector, achieving full self-sufficiency, the chairman of the iron-smelting union announced Tuesday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
