New $6 Million Plastic Factory Opens in Balkh, Creating 200 Jobs

A major plastic sack and yarn manufacturing plant has officially opened in Afghanistan’s northern Balkh province, following an investment exceeding $6 million by the private sector. The factory has increased its daily production capacity from seven to twenty tonnes, creating employment opportunities for nearly 200 Afghan residents.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mullah Mohammad Yousuf Wafa, the Taliban-appointed governor of Balkh, who emphasized that boosting domestic production is a top priority for the administration. He stated that each new factory plays a crucial role in generating jobs and strengthening the province’s economy. The development comes as the country struggles with severe economic challenges and a rising unemployment crisis, highlighting the urgent need for extensive and sustainable investment.

Balkh province, located in northern Afghanistan, has long held strategic importance due to its agricultural and commercial potential. While such private investments bring hope to local residents in the current difficult climate, economic analysts stress that addressing Afghanistan’s underlying economic issues and achieving sustainable development will require a comprehensive framework, clear regulatory transparency, and supportive policies for the private sector that go beyond official rhetoric.