Afghanistan Aims to Become a Regional Transport Hub Between Central and South Asia
New transport infrastructure projects in Afghanistan promise to strengthen its role as a regional transit hub, a major role in this process is given to cooperation with Turkmenistan and other countries in the region. According to the Ministry of Public Works of Afghanistan, the country’s railway network is currently being actively expanded, opening up new prospects for the whole of Central and South Asia.
The project to expand the port of Turgundi is of particular importance for the Turkmen side. An agreement worth US$5 million has already been signed with Turkmenistan, and practical work on upgrading this important border hub is expected to begin soon. This initiative is part of a broader integration strategy that includes existing railway lines connecting Afghanistan with Turkmenistan via the border ports of Akina and Turgundi, as well as with Uzbekistan and Iran.
In addition, Afghanistan signed a memorandum of understanding with Kazakhstan on the construction of railways, one of which is the Turgundi-Herat route. The implementation of this project will connect the western regions of Afghanistan with the Turkmen transport system and further - with international markets.
Economists believe that these steps will allow Afghanistan to become a full-fledged transit hub, which is especially important for a landlocked country. As analysts note, railways are a priority for the development of trade with Afghanistan, whose geographical location allows it to become an important link in regional and global supply chains.
Thus, the projects implemented with the participation of Turkmenistan are becoming an important step in the creation of a new, modern logistics architecture in the region, capable of ensuring fast and convenient transportation of goods between Central and South Asia.
Ministry of Public Works of Afghanistan said on Sunday that 87,783 tons of goods were transported via the country’s rail routes in the past week. The bulk of these shipments, more than 55,000 tons, passed through Hairatan Port. More than 8,000 tons were transported via Akina Port, more than 13,000 tons via Turgundi Port, and nearly 11,200 tons were transported via the Khaf-Herat railway line, the Kabul Times reported.
The statement said the goods transported included petroleum products, non-oil products and other commodities, adding that of the total, 197 tons were exports, including dried fruits and pomegranate juice.
The ministry stressed that increasing transportation and exports via rail directly contributes to job creation, income growth and progress towards economic self-sufficiency, reiterating its commitment to improving transportation conditions and providing better facilities for traders.
ORIENT
