KABUL, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's Ministry of Energy and Water has signed an agreement with an Afghan firm, Azizi Group, for the production, transmission, and distribution of 10,000 megawatts of electricity, the state-run Bakhtar News Agency reported on Saturday.

The project was expected to create jobs and enhance the country's energy self-sufficiency.

Mirwais Azizi, head of Azizi Group, said at the event that the project would generate approximately 150,000 jobs and help reduce youth migration by offering employment opportunities within the country.

The ministry said the project, to be implemented across some provinces, will expand public access to electricity and boost national revenues while fostering long-term economic growth.

Afghanistan produces approximately 600 megawatts of electricity from domestic sources, which accounts for 30 percent of total power consumed. Meanwhile, 70 percent is imported from neighboring countries, including Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Turkmenistan, at a cost of 227 million U.S. dollars annually. ■