Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are stepping up their railway cooperation in a move aimed at accelerating trade and strengthening regional connectivity.

Under a new agreement, the two countries will increase the number of freight trains crossing their shared border, with more than six pairs of cargo trains to be processed daily at key border checkpoints. The decision was reached during talks between Zufar Narzullayev, Chairman of Uzbekistan Railways company, and Komil Jumakhon, head of Tajikistan Railways, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

The negotiations focused on expanding the overall volume of bilateral freight transportation, speeding up wagon transfers at border stations, and resolving operational bottlenecks in cargo logistics. Both sides emphasized the importance of smoother procedures to meet growing demand for cross-border shipments.

Improved rail connectivity is expected to further stimulate trade and economic cooperation. Tajikistan ranks among Uzbekistan’s top 20 trading partners, with bilateral trade turnover reaching $912.3 million in 2025 - a figure that highlights the strategic role of efficient transport corridors in sustaining regional growth.

The railway expansion aligns with broader regional ambitions. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have also set their sights on boosting rail freight volumes to 60 million tons, signaling Central Asia’s drive to position itself as a key transit and logistics hub between major markets.