By Ewelina Lepionko
Herat is located in the western part of Afghanistan.
With international border trade playing an important part in the economy of the Herat province, most of the population live in rural areas and economic activity is heavily reliant on agriculture and horticulture production (saffron, rugs, cumin, marble, aluminium, animal skins and wool).
The province is home to 90% of Afghanistan's Saffron production.
Afghan businessman invested $2 million to open a saffron processing factory in Herat offering jobs to 700 women. The factory processes and packages saffron before exporting to foreign countries.
Around 120 people work in the aluminium factory in Herat, and every day make some four tons of aluminum products are made mostly for domestic needs.
One of the most exotic and distinctive of all oriental rugs are woven in Herat. Strangely elongated human and animal figures are their signature look. Afghanistan's hand-woven rugs require skill and is in great demand all over the world.
