The Ministry of Public Works has announced preparations to launch the Trans-Afghan project in the country
Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, spokesperson for the ministry, told TOLOnews that discussions with Central Asian countries and other stakeholders have been conducted to initiate this project within Afghanistan.
The Trans-Afghan project is a significant regional initiative aimed at facilitating transportation and promoting international trade between Central and South Asia through Afghanistan. This project plays a key role in connecting Central Asian countries to South Asia.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works added, “To implement this important project, multiple meetings have been held between Afghanistan and Central Asian countries, and negotiations are ongoing. This project is a priority for the economic programs of the Islamic Emirate and the Ministry of Public Works, and Afghanistan has fully declared its readiness to cooperate in its implementation.”
Some economic experts have also highlighted the importance of this project.
Mohammad Nabi Afghan, an economic affairs expert, said, “The Afghan-Trans project and similar projects, especially in the railway sector, are highly beneficial for Afghanistan. Rail is an affordable and fast way to connect to other countries.”
Meanwhile, Ilkhom Makhkamov, the Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan, has described this project as an opportunity to link Central and Southeast Asian countries.
“Upon the completion of this project, numerous job opportunities will be created for Afghans, Afghanistan’s exports will increase, and the country’s annual revenues will grow. Additionally, Afghanistan’s relationships with Uzbekistan and Pakistan will strengthen,” said Abdul Ghaffar Nizami, another economic expert.
Previously, Uzbekistan’s Special Representative to the President and its Minister of Transport, in a meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi, mentioned the dispatch of technical teams for a feasibility study and the start of practical work on the Trans-Afghan project, as well as the purchase of one million tons of coal from Afghanistan.