Senior officials from Afghanistan and Uzbekistan met to discuss ways to enhance transit and logistics cooperation between the two countries.
Kabul 24: According to reports, Ilkhom Makhkamov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Transport, held talks with Karim Hashimi, Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment.
Both sides emphasized increasing the efficiency of goods transportation, expanding trade relations, and making better use of the transit potential between the two nations.
During the meeting, the officials focused on accelerating the transfer and clearance of imported goods for Afghanistan and exports from Uzbekistan.
They also discussed the development of storage infrastructure and the creation of additional railway access lines at the Hairatan and Naibabad border stations.Another key topic was increasing the volume of Afghan transit cargo passing through Uzbekistan.
The two sides exchanged views on facilitating the movement of goods from Chinese ports and the Persian Gulf countries via Uzbek transport corridors.
This route is seen as a strategic link that could significantly improve Afghanistan’s access to major regional markets.The expansion of quality assessment laboratories in Afghanistan, standardization of customs procedures, and review of transportation costs for logistics companies were also addressed.
The Afghan side highlighted the need to reduce administrative barriers and unnecessary expenses to facilitate smoother trade.At the conclusion of the meeting, the Afghan delegation expressed its full readiness to cooperate with relevant Uzbek institutions to overcome existing challenges and implement joint transit and logistics projects.
This engagement reflects the growing importance of regional connectivity for both countries. Uzbekistan, with its strategic location, can serve as one of the shortest and most secure routes for Afghanistan to reach Central Asian markets, China, and Russia. Strengthening these ties is expected to boost bilateral trade, attract more investment, and contribute to economic development in Afghanistan.
Improved transit cooperation between the two neighbors is considered vital for the revival of regional trade corridors.
Officials believe that practical steps in infrastructure development and procedural simplification will help unlock the full potential of Afghanistan’s landlocked economy and position Uzbekistan as a key transit hub in Central Asia.
Both countries appear committed to turning their geographic advantages into economic opportunities through closer collaboration in the transport and logistics sectors.
