Taliban on Monday inaugurated the second phase of the Kabul Folad steel factory in Herat’s industrial park.
Construction of the second phase started in September 2024 with an initial investment of $18 million.
The Taliban’s deputy chief minister for economic affairs, Abdul Ghani Baradar, led the ceremony, announcing that $20 million had been invested in the new section of the plant. The expanded facility now has the capacity to process up to 500 metric tons of iron daily.
Taliban officials say the project will help reduce Afghanistan’s dependence on imported construction materials and create new jobs in a struggling economy.
Baradar said regional countries and international investors are showing growing interest in Afghanistan’s economy. He also emphasized the Taliban’s focus on reviving industry, citing plans to boost domestic electricity production and improve infrastructure to support industrial growth.
The Kabul Folad plant initially opened before the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 but had struggled with delays.
