According to reports, Central Asian countries have recently initiated new efforts to secure access to the Indian Ocean through Afghanistan.
To reach their prolific economic goals, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are planning to construct railway lines through Afghanistan to create shorter routes for regional trade, The Caspian Post reports citing foreign media.
These projects aim to enhance economic relations and facilitate the transit of goods through western Afghanistan.
Abdul Zahoor Mudaber, an economic affairs analyst, told TOLOnews: “One of the core elements of trade is transportation. The more standardized the transportation system becomes, the more beneficial it will be for all countries. Afghanistan offers a highly suitable transit corridor for Central Asian countries, and investments by Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in railway infrastructure in Afghanistan can benefit not only us but also Central and even South Asian countries, such as Pakistan and India.”
Afghanistan and Kazakhstan have also agreed to sign a contract for the construction of a 115-kilometer railway from Torghundi to Herat and to jointly launch a transportation and logistics project in Herat. Kazakhstan has announced it will invest $500 million in this initiative.
Ahmad Firdaws Behgozin, another economic analyst, said: “Any railway that connects Afghanistan to other countries can help generate employment and significantly boost our economic credibility and global trade relations.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works has welcomed progress on Afghanistan’s railway projects and emphasized continued cooperation with Central Asian nations.
Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works, said: “Afghanistan is the gateway to economic opportunities in the region. Countries currently utilizing this potential-and seeking regional railway connectivity through Afghanistan-are welcomed and supported by the Ministry of Public Works of the Islamic Emirate.”
Another major project is “Trans-Afghan,” designed to connect Central Asia to Pakistan. The project will span 573 kilometers, with an estimated cost of $4.8 billion as of 2021.
Earlier, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan signed $50 million in trade agreements.
According to reports, thirty trade agreements have been signed between the private sectors of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, valued at nearly $50 million.
At a bilateral trade connectivity conference, the deputy minister of industry and commerce of the Islamic Emirate stressed the need to resolve trade challenges and increase Afghan exports to Uzbekistan.
Ahmadullah Zahid, deputy minister of industry and commerce, said: “We appreciate that they have truly supported the Islamic Emirate on all international platforms. Their cooperation-especially in the economic sector-has not been limited to discussions, conferences, and agreements. They have entered the field of action as well, which has led to significant progress in relations with this country.”
Meanwhile, Davron Vakhabov, president of the Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, acknowledged existing trade challenges between Kabul and Tashkent but expressed hope for their resolution.
He also stated that Uzbek traders are interested in investing in various sectors in Afghanistan.
“I believe the outcome of this third meeting will, in the next 10 to 15 days, concretely result in the signing of joint memorandums and trade agreements. We are currently working on key areas such as textiles, construction, and food processing industries,” he said.
At the same time, Afghan private sector officials, highlighting the expansion of trade relations between Kabul and Tashkent, spoke of efforts to establish joint chambers of commerce between Afghanistan, Turkey, and Central Asian countries.
Mohammad Younus Mohmand, first deputy of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said: “Trade cannot be one-sided. The market being developed or already established in Termez is very important to us. We want to use that route to expand trade relations, and we hope Uzbekistan will seize the major opportunities available in Afghanistan.”
Mirzaman Popal, acting financial and administrative head of the Chamber, stated: “Memorandums have been signed, and more than 30 contracts between Afghan and Uzbek companies have been finalized, with a total value estimated between $45 and $50 million.”
Although current trade relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan are limited, Uzbek investors have already invested nearly $1 billion in the Tuti Maidan gas field in Faryab province.
Uzbekistan is also leading the Trans-Afghan railway project through Afghan territory, which, upon completion, is expected to generate significant revenue for Afghanistan.
