Afghanistan’s Gulbahar Cement has begun construction of a new US$143m cement plant in Zinda Jan district, Herat province.
The foundation stone was laid by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund. The privately-financed plant will have a production capacity of 3000tpd, equivalent to around 1Mta, and is expected to create approximately 5000 direct and indirect jobs.
Mr Baradar said the project would support Afghanistan’s efforts to increase domestic cement production and reduce its dependence on imports, while contributing to employment and construction activity.
The government said tax reductions, exemptions and other incentives are being provided to encourage private investment. Mr Baradar called on officials and the project’s technical team to complete construction within the planned timeframe and to the required quality standards.
