Second Afghanistan International Marble Conference

Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI), in close coordination and support with the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) co-hosted the second Afghanistan International Marble Conference in Herat, Afghanistan, April 12-16, 2010. The conference brought together more than 300 sector stakeholders to showcase the country’s wealth of marble, address industry challenges and learn new techniques and equipments in the sector. On behalf of ACCI, Mr. Shir Khan Farnood Chairman of Board of Directors welcomed the attendees and encouraged investors to invest in Afghanistan and utilize the existin business opportunities. Further, H.E Wahidullah Shahrani; Minster of Mines, Honorable Ahmad Yosuf Noristani; Herat Governer, U.S Deputy Secretary of State; Jacob Lew and U.S Ambassador; Karl W. Eikenberry delivered remarks at the conference launch.
“Afghanistan has marble deposits valued more than (USD) $150 billion,” H.E Minister Shahrani said. “Our new mining law and reforms under way in the mining sector’s regulatory framework are setting the stage for an investor-friendly environment here in Afghanistan.” Mr. Shahrani added that from now onwards the processed marble for export would be free of 12% tax. “The United States is proud to sponsor this effort to help develop the marble and stone industry in Afghanistan,” Ambassador Eikenberry said. “With adjustments to exploitation and investment rights legislation that have enhanced the sector’s business enabling environment, Afghanistan’s marble sector is poised to take a competitive position as a premier supplier of quality marble to international and domestic markets.”
“We welcome the domestic and foreign investors in Herat and will provide them security to invest in manufacturing and processing fields especially in marble mines extracting and processing,” Ahmad Yosuf Noristani said on his remark. Current marble exports are estimated at $15 million per year. With improved extraction, processing, infrastructure, and investments, the industry could grow into a $450 million per year business.
Deputy Secretary Lew presented the marble sector’s first Superior Achievement Award to Equity Capital Mining, in recognition of their achievement in modernizing their Chesht white marble quarry. This quarry is the first in the country to utilize the wire and saw extraction technique, and the company is committed to use this quarry as a training facility for other operators and processing companies. M.Qurban Haqjo CEO of ACCI stated, “ACCI is working to establish new frameworks for enabling Afghan business and industry to become moreproductive,profitableandcompetitive.

As Afghanistan leading national business organization, ACCI has responsibility to promote the interest of its member companies and industrial organization members. ACCI plays a crucial role in developing the national economy and has identified the marble sector as being of strategic importance.” Afghanistan has significant mineral deposits and an underdeveloped mining industry. The mining sector offers considerable medium and long term opportunities.

Date: 2015-01-29; view: 809