Turkmenistan halved export-import tariffs in trade with Afghanistan
Turkmenistan has reduced export-import tariffs with Afghanistan between two countries, reports TOLONews referring to Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI). The tariffs have been cut by 50% approximately. Moreover, other related costs in some cases have been reduced also by half or abolished. “For instance, whenever we could not manage to unload our wagons within 24 hours, we had to pay US $300 for that, but now this tariff has been removed completely,” said ACCI deputy chief Khan Jan Alokozai. This step, take in line with easing the trans-border trade, will facilitate the export of Afghan good to Turkmenistan and will ease the import operations from Turkmenistan. Turkmen side is also committed for helping to provide security of goods, maintenance of the railway line and railway cars, and loading services. Moreover, these services will provided to Afghan traders not only in Turkmenistan, but also at Aqina land port. The trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Afghanistan is comparatively low. However, the last move on reducing export-import fees will contribute to development of trade and economic relations and stimulate economic stability in the war-torn neighbor country. This is completely in line with Ashgabat’s resolve to revive the Great Silk Road. Turkmenistan plays a major role in the Lapis Lazuli Corridor (Afghanistan-Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey) and in transit of Afghan goods to external markets. The initial links of this corridor are the railway lines Kerki-Imamnazar-Aqina and Serhetabat-Torghundi.
