KABUL, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Construction of a rice processing and packaging plant has begun in Qarghayi district of eastern Afghanistan's Laghman province at a cost of 162 million afghanis (about 2.53 million U.S. dollars), local officials said Monday.
The plant is expected to create 100 direct jobs and between 400 and 600 indirect employment opportunities after becoming operational, according to the provincial department of industry and commerce.
The project is expected to enhance rice processing and packaging capacity, support the agricultural sector, and promote employment and local economic development in the province. ■