Head of the Industrialist Union in northern Balkh province said that factory work has witnessed an increase in inactivity causing a decrease in revenue and jobs.

Sayed Tahir Roshanzada, head of the Industrialist Union in Balkh, is concerned that more than 70 percent of the factories have faced stagnation because of insecurity, lack of raw materials and the lack of support and investments for the sector. He emphasizes that this has not only affected the businesses, but has greatly impacted the lives of factory workers who are or have lost their jobs.

"The factories that once had 50 workers are now working with five or 10 employees," he explained. "Any time these factories face slowness employees lose their jobs."

A number of oil refineries that were recently created are currently facing a recession. The officials also said a number of oil refineries who created recently are facing to stagnation. The impermanent investments, lack of electricity and the current situation of the presidential elections are said to be the reasons behind the factory troubles in Balkh.

"We have spent millions of dollars on the oil refineries, but now we are facing a dilemma and have no choice but to let go our employees because the government is not supporting us," Abdul Jamil, an owner of an oil refinery, said.

The employees that have been affected by the decrease of work have stressed their concerns about the lack of work in the province.
Nasratullah, a factory worker for an oil refinery, says that he and others constantly fear of losing their job each time they arrive to perform their duties.

"We are always worried of losing our jobs because the factories are facing financial problems."
The industrialists have said that if the current situation continues and is not solved soon, no one will invest in Balkh.