Herat Launches a Program to Develop Small Industries

Local officials in Herat have announced the launch of a major program aimed at fostering the growth of small industries in the province.

The goal of this program is to expand small industries in order to reduce dependence on imported goods and create job opportunities for young people.

Mohammad Bashir Seerat, the head of Herat’s Industry and Commerce Department, stated: “The objective of this program is to cultivate a culture of supporting small industries and to increase the use of domestic products in Afghanistan.”

Hamidullah Khadem, the head of the Herat Chamber of Industries and Mines, said: “We must create favorable conditions for work and production in Afghanistan. Every day, millions of Afghanis are spent on purchasing products that we have the capability to produce domestically.”

Several small business owners have called for greater support and more facilities from the interim government.

According to them, there is sufficient capacity for expanding domestic production, which could replace imported goods.

Fahim Amiri, a local entrepreneur, said: “From now on, we can produce our basic necessities in Herat, and we have been given promising assurances in this regard.”

Statistics indicate that more than 2,000 small industries are currently active in Herat, with 1,200 managed by women and nearly 700 by men.