Officials of the Helmand Department of Industry and Commerce said that in the past three years, about 67 manufacturing factories have started operations in this province.

They added that with the start of these factories, job opportunities have also been created for hundreds of people.

In addition to cotton processing, products such as flour, oil, soap, poultry feed, and ice are also being produced in these factories.

Abdul Wali Hashimi, head of Helmand's Department of Industry and Commerce, said: "Before the arrival of the Islamic Emirate into power, only 3 or 4 factories were active in this province, and now it has reached almost 70 factories."

A number of owners of manufacturing factories asked officials in the caretaker government for marketing their products.

"My request to the officials is that the work related to traders, especially in the Department of Industry and Commerce, should be completed in half a day instead of one day to facilitate matters," said Rohullah Barak, a trader.

"I have invested my capital in the factories to serve the country and create job opportunities for the youth, and I want other investors to come and invest as well," said Rohullah Popal, in charge of a manufacturing factory.

A number of workers in these factories asked other traders to invest in the country to reduce unemployment.

"I am very happy that a job opportunity has been created for me here, and I am working; other people should also create such opportunities," said Hamidullah, a Helmand resident.

"I was unemployed for a long time; I ask investors to create such opportunities for people," said Khairullah, another Helmand resident.

According to information from the Helmand Department of Industry and Commerce, three more cotton processing factories are expected to start operations in this province this year.