Courtesy Photo | CEO of Aria Target Construction and Design Khan Afghan Rezayee (in black) poses with...... read more read more
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KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan First is a NATO-backed initiative to make the Afghan economy self-sufficient and sustainable. It gives Afghan-run businesses priority on logistic contracts for the Afghan National Security Force and the coalition.
Aria Agha Rezayee, CEO of Aria Target Construction and Design are an example of how Afghan entrepreneurs have been able to capitalize on coalition support to create flourishing businesses.
Rezayee began contracting with the U.S. military four and a half years ago when he bid for and received a contract for $3,500. After fulfilling his first contract, he was awarded a second contract for $7,000 and his business continued to progress.
In fiscal year 2010, Aria Target Construction and Design has fulfilled $44 million worth of contracts according to Rezayee.
“I am very proud to provide jobs for my countrymen. I am trying to do business and I am trying to help my people. They make good money and they are able to support their families,” said Rezayee.
Aria Target Construction and Design’s business is turning shipping containers, referred to as ‘connex’ boxes into mobile kitchens, barracks, guard towers, showers, refrigeration units, and weapon storage containers. There are wide varieties of applications and the possibilities are growing.
“The benefit of having Afghans build these ‘connex’ boxes, besides the obvious economic reasons is that we can ensure that everything is being built to western standards and that the vendors are operating properly,” said Maj. Darren Rhyne, the Chief of Local Acquisition for the Security Assistance Office. “It’s a win-win for everybody.”
The company employs more than 170 Afghans and is doing so well that it is able to give loans to create small businesses in the community.
“There is a lot of opportunity in Afghanistan, there has been 30 years of war and everything has been destroyed, we must build the infrastructure of our country, “ said Rezayee.
Success is not restricted to Aria Design, there are companies all over the country profiting with the help of the Afghan First initiative. Saleen Najib Tawana Logistics Supplies and Services are located on the ground floor of an office building in downtown Kabul.
SNTC produces furniture for the ANSF. The company makes wooden beds, tables and chairs. They also build metal furniture for the local hospital from scratch.
Manager of Marketing Sales and Delivery, Sanjay Thapa says that his workers truly appreciate the work.
“We are always learning new skills and looking for new ways to produce,” said Thapa.
From 2005 to 2009, $4 billion worth of local goods and services and more than 20,000 Afghans were employed through U.S. contracts awarded to Afghan companies. For the fiscal year 2009, more than $79.9 million has been spent by Regional Contracting Centers and 100 percent of contracts went to Afghan companies.
| Date Taken: | 10.07.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 10.07.2010 12:49 |
| Story ID: | 57687 |
| Location: | KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: | 403 |
| Downloads: | 6 |
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