First-ever leather processing factory started production in the western Herat province of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

The first leather production firm started work in the western Herat province of Afghanistan with an aim to curb import of leather products from outside the country worth almost USD 350 million on annual basis. The factory was inaugurated on Tuesday in the presence of the provincial governor Mohammad Asif Rahimi in Herat Industrial park. The factory has been built with an investment amounting to USD 6,300,000. Local officials say that the opening of the factory will provide work opportunities for hundreds of the residents of Herat province. Mr Hotak, a representative of the factory, said this is the first leather processing factory launched in Afghanistan which will use raw materials from the domestic market. He said around USD 350 million flow out of Afghanistan on annual basis for the import of leather products. Provincial governor Rahimi hailed the private sector for the investment to launch the factory and said the first leather processing factory starting work in Afghanistan is a good news as he insisted on the factory officials to make sure that the products are produced with a high quality. Insisting on further development of industrial park in the province, the Governor of Herat said another industrial park will be opened in this province soon. According to local officials, more than 20 manufacturing firms have started operations in Herat industrial park since the last two years.