Balkh Issues 856 Trade and Industry Licenses in One Year

Officials at the Balkh Department of Industry and Commerce say that from the beginning of the current year until now, 284 commercial and industrial licenses have been issued to traders and industrialists.

According to them, during this period, more than 570 companies and factories have renewed their operating licenses.

Nasir Ahmad Niazi, Deputy Director of the Balkh Department of Industry and Commerce, stated: “This year, a total of 856 commercial and industrial licenses have been issued by the department 572 were renewals, and 284 were new licenses in the commercial and industrial sectors.”

Meanwhile, factory officials in Balkh province identify the provision of permanent electricity and land allocation as their top demands.

Afzal Afzali, a factory manager, said: “If the Ministry of Agriculture and the Economic Deputy provide land for major factory owners, it would create employment opportunities for hundreds of people.”

Mohammad Yousuf Ghafoori, another factory manager, added: “We have the capacity and facilities. If the government provides electricity and land, we can establish large-scale production factories inside the country.”

At the same time, workers at these factories expressed satisfaction with their establishment and called on other investors to invest within the country.

Hazratullah, a factory worker, said: “We are happy that we no longer need to go abroad. Many job opportunities have been created here for youth. We ask the government to support industrialists so more factories can be established.”

Faheemullah, another worker, said: “We urge traders and investors to invest within the country so that job opportunities can be created for returnees and young people.”

On the other hand, officials from the Balkh Department of Industry and Commerce reported ongoing efforts to resolve the challenges faced by traders and industrialists and emphasized the continuation of these efforts.

Nasir Ahmad Niazi stated: “Regarding the allocation of industrial land, all technical and administrative procedures have been completed, and the documents have been submitted to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce for final approval. Once approved, the land-related issues for investors will be resolved.”

According to statistics from the Balkh Department of Industry and Commerce, since the return to power of the Islamic Emirate, 300 small and large factories have begun operations in the province, creating employment opportunities for thousands of people.