Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment on Sunday, during his visit to Kandahar and Helmand provinces, visited Sondos, a major textile company and factory, and toured various sections of the industrial complex.
During the visit, the ACCI Chairman gained first-hand insight into the progress of construction work, facilities, machinery, and production capacities of the factory. He also held discussions with company officials on investment opportunities, the development of the textile industry, job creation, and the project's role in the country's economic growth.
Sondos Textile Company is being established in three phases on a 60-Acres plot of land in the Aino Mina Modern Industrial Park in Kandahar Province, with an initial investment of approximately USD 60 million. Construction of the first phase is approximately 98 percent complete. Most of the advanced and standardized machinery, sourced from European and Asian countries, has been transported to Afghanistan, and installation is currently underway. The factory is expected to commence production in 2027.
According to the information provided, during its first phase, Sondos Textile Factory will have the capacity to produce 50,000 meters of various types of men's and women's fabrics and dye 100,000 meters of fabric per day, creating employment opportunities for approximately 900 people. Upon completion of the second and third phases, the complex's daily production and dyeing capacity will increase to 150,000 meters, while its workforce will grow to approximately 1,500 employees. Furthermore, an advanced yarn production unit will be established and become operational in the third phase.
Built in accordance with established standards and equipped with advanced technology, this industrial complex will not only increase domestic production capacity but also play an important role in reducing the country's dependence on imported textiles, creating employment opportunities for local workers, developing related industries, and strengthening Afghanistan's exports. After meeting the needs of domestic markets, the factory's products are also expected to be exported to regional and international markets, particularly Central Asian countries and the United Arab Emirates.
Welcoming this major industrial investment, the ACCI Chairman described supporting manufacturing factories and strengthening national production as important priorities for the country's economic growth. He emphasized that the development of such projects can play an effective role in creating employment opportunities, increasing domestic production, attracting further investment, and expanding the country's exports. He also reaffirmed ACCI's commitment to cooperating with and supporting the private sector and facilitating a favorable environment for the growth and development of industrial activities.
During the visit, emphasis was also placed on making effective use of domestic capacities, improving product quality, developing national industries, and creating opportunities for Afghan products to compete in regional and international markets.
It is worth noting that Sondos Textile Company is a public joint-stock company that also offers investment opportunities to other investors across the country. Through purchasing shares, investors can participate in this major industrial project and contribute to the development of Afghanistan's textile industry.
The visit was also attended by Mr. Habibullah Omar, Deputy for Cultural and Social Affairs; Mr. Enayatullah Seddiqzai, Deputy for Services; Mr. Mirajan Sulaimankhail, Deputy for Policy and Government Relations; Mr. Abdul Nafi Barakzai, Deputy for Supporting Domestic Production and Products; and ACCI Board members Mr. Ahmad Masoud Rahat and Mr. Mohammad Yousuf Mohmand.
