A pine nut processing factory is under construction in the eastern province of Paktia with the capacity of processing 60,000 tons of pine nut a year, local officials said.
The firm will create more than 1,000 jobs, according to the Chamber of Commerce and Investment in Paktia.
The chamber officials said that over $7 million will be invested in the firm. The packaging will be based on international norms.
“The firm will provide the ground for improvement in the export of pine nuts to international markets and there is a need for government’s support to this sector,” said Nasir, head of the chamber.
“Investment in this sector will create more jobs and this will lead to the prosperity of the people,” said Sahib Khan Totakhil, an investor.
Figures by the Ministry of Agriculture show that Afghanistan produces around 20,000 metric tons of pine nut a year, especially in Paktia, Khost, and Paktika provinces.
