Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) officials were on Tuesday upbeat over the growth of the plastic product industry in Afghanistan and said they will implement a newly developed business policy for the sector in the near future.

Speaking at the launch of a plastic products expo, that drew participation from about 95 Afghan and foreign business owners, the MoCI said this National Business Policy will help address challenges faced by investors.

"We have finalized the National Business Policy and it will be approved within the next few months. This policy covers all the issues related to business including providing facilities to investors, supporting investors, regulating imports and exports and it will help us on how to run good businesses," said Mohammad Qurban Haqjo, the acting deputy minister for commerce at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

According to him, $120 million USD has been invested in more than 800 plastic factories in the country.

Meanwhile, the deputy head of Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI), Khan Jan Alokozay, said that a shortage of land, electricity, infrastructure and security problems are the main obstacles for businessmen in the country.

"Investors are ready to invest, but government should deliver on its commitments it has made to the private sector," Alokozay added.

At the same event, Mohammad Mohaqiq, the second deputy of the CEO, said government should support all investors, not only certain investors.

"Attention has been paid to some parts of investment, but it is not enough. We should provide investment context for all investors, not for specific individuals," he said.

Reports indicate that Afghanistan annually pays $300 million USD for imported plastic goods and according to industry owners, Afghan factories have the capacity to produce these plastic goods in the country.

"Domestic products should be used. Government and people should use homemade goods to help the factories grow," said Ahmad Shah, owner of a factory.

LINK: https://www.ansarpress.com/english/6443

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