The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) says it has signed memoranda of understanding worth over $12 million with 15 organizations to support and develop small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
During the signing ceremony, ministry officials emphasized that project implementation must prioritize support for individuals genuinely engaged in economic activities.
The ministry stated that 7,673 people in Kabul, Paktia, Paktika, Khost, Balkh, Kandahar, Logar, Kunduz, Baghlan, Badakhshan, Badghis, Faryab, Jowzjan, Nangarhar, Takhar, and Bamyan provinces will benefit from these initiatives.
The ministry’s spokesman Abdul Salam Jawad Akhundzada said, “These 15 organizations will execute developmental, skill-building, and educational projects valued at $12,475,406, focusing on entrepreneurship training, carpet industry development, jewelry, and handicrafts.”
Private sector representatives welcomed the move, stating that supporting SMEs will positively impact Afghanistan’s economic and developmental activities.
They added that consistent investment in the carpet industry could curb widespread unemployment and play a pivotal role in rural economic development.
Private sector members further noted that small businesses fulfill essential livelihood needs for communities and will contribute to training professional and technical personnel, as well as fostering growth in large-scale industries.
