He noted that Afghanistan is home to 45 large metallurgical plants.
"To date, approximately $500 million has been invested in the country’s metallurgical sector, creating jobs for around 70,000 people, both directly and indirectly," Abdul Nasir Reshtia stated at the opening ceremony of a new metallurgical industry representative office in Khost province.
As reported by the Pajhwok news agency, the executive director of the Metallurgists' Union confirmed that "there are currently 45 large metallurgical plants operating in Afghanistan."
Reshtia explained that Afghan factories produce a variety of iron products, including rebar, angles, steel rods, and other materials. He added, "Last year, 150,000 tonnes of iron products were exported to Turkmenistan and 60,000 tonnes to Pakistan."
"Afghanistan is now self-sufficient in iron production, and its imports have been reduced to zero," the union head remarked, announcing plans to expand production and range, including railway tracks and sheet metal.