Three-Day Domestic Products Exhibition Opens in Bamyan

A three-day exhibition of domestic products, named “Band-e-Amir,” has opened in Bamyan province.

Various industrial and agricultural products and handicrafts are on display at the exhibition. Officials say the event aims to support domestic production and help local products find markets within the country.

Of the exhibition’s 150 booths, 50 have been allocated to women entrepreneurs.

Bamyan Governor Gul Haidar Shafaq said: “The more industrialists we have here, the more people will be employed and markets will be found for their products.”

Haqmal, an organizer of the exhibition, said: “The overall aim of such exhibitions is to find markets for domestic products and increase the country’s production.”

In addition to Bamyan, industrialists from Kabul, Herat, Maidan Wardak and Parwan provinces are participating in the exhibition.

Participants say such exhibitions are useful for promoting and marketing domestic products. However, they say shortages and high prices of raw materials remain serious challenges for industrial activities in the country.

Rohani, an exhibitor, said: “Raw materials for carpets are now very expensive and difficult to find. Since routes to other countries, particularly Pakistan, were closed, the prices of raw materials here have increased.”

Mohammad Jafar, another participant, said: “Afghan products have grown considerably in recent years, but there are still some problems. Low-quality goods have increased in the market, and this is an important issue that needs attention.”

Meanwhile, the head of Bamyan’s Department of Industry and Commerce says land has been identified for the construction of exhibition facilities to support small businesses and newly established companies and help market their products. Construction work is expected to begin soon.

Noorzai Aminzada, head of Bamyan’s Department of Industry and Commerce, said: “Fifteen jeribs of land have been identified for small businesses and newly established companies, where exhibition buildings will be constructed. A site has also been identified in Bamyan, and work will begin in the near future.”

According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, dedicated exhibition facilities are planned in all provinces to provide more opportunities for industrialists and entrepreneurs.

Some industrialists have welcomed the plan, saying it could help newly established production companies operate more effectively.