Afghan industry supporting ANSF, creating jobs

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

01.16.2011

Story by Guy Volb 

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – Kabul Melli, a local industry success story, has delivered nearly 200,000 pairs of boots to both the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police.

Signed to an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract, Melli makes and delivers boots in response to Afghan National Security Force needs.

Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology Mr. Malcolm Ross O’Neill visited their factory for a first-hand look at their products and processes, Jan. 16.

“Our first emphasis is always on meeting the needs of our forces,” O’Neill said. “However, we will continue to leverage our contracting efforts in pursuit of job creation and development of the local manufacturing economy. The goal is to locate existing Afghan companies in key manufacturing sectors that can provide the skills and goods we need. Ultimately, our objective is to provide the impetus for a self-sustaining Afghan economy that provides better opportunities for its citizens."

“The Army is in full support of the mission to develop and support the Afghan local economy,” O’Neill continued. “It’s critical to our counterinsurgency strategy. If our contracting efforts, in support of our forces and allies, can facilitate job creation and local investment, then everybody wins.”

Recovering from decades of conflict, Afghanistan’s economy has improved significantly since the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001, according to the CIA World Factbook. This, it suggests, is largely due to the infusion of international assistance, the recovery of the agricultural sector, and service sector growth. Kabul Melli represents this type of positive growth in local industry both the Afghan government and NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan is focused on developing.

“There is a current order for 136,000 boots and 82,000 athletic shoes to support the increase in ANA end strength,” according to Maj. Kevin Groff, ANSF footwear acquisition program manager.

“We recently offered, and Kabul Melli accepted, a second option year on the current contract, which will extend the period of performance through February 2012,” Groff said.

“The boots were built, tested and improved, through feedback and testing, to the high-quality boots they are today,” said Groff. “They are now comparable in every way, quality wise, to those produced by U.S. manufacturers.”

The improvements were made despite obvious challenges of doing business in Afghanistan.

“There are multiple challenges and concerns associated with doing business here,” Groff said. “Security is one, finding qualified, educated workers is another. Purchasing and receiving raw materials causes consternation with production, because currently there is no indigenous production of the materials within Afghanistan. Delays in deliveries are caused by the logistics of getting the materials through the borders of neighboring countries.”

“These local citizens demonstrate exceptional courage by undertaking business initiatives under challenging conditions presenting significant risks to their success and safety,” O’Neill said. “I came away greatly impressed by their professionalism, dedication and entrepreneurial spirit despite these obstacles. I was particularly struck by their consideration of such issues as child care and equal pay for female workers.”

Groff said Kabul Melli is determined to continue the production of high-quality boots, physical training shoes, and shower shoes for the ANSF.

“They’re also looking to expand their other ventures into bed frame production, to include box springs and spring mattresses, and PVC pipe manufacturing. Owners have expressed interest in acquiring a beverage production facility and commodities as well.” O’Neill agreed.

“We need to continue to provide contracting personnel who understand the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the local Afghan economy,” he said. “While conducting our own mission, we have a chance to plant economic and social seeds that will enhance our long term security and improve conditions for the local population.”

• Date Taken: 01.16.2011
• Date Posted: 01.19.2011 06:18
• Story ID: 63783
• Location: KABUL, AF