The first freight train from China arrived at Hairatan dry port in northern Afghanistan, on November 23. The train journeyed through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, showcasing the potential for expanded trade routes across Central Asia.
Hairatan, a strategic border town near the Uzbek city of Termez, serves as a key transit hub between Afghanistan and its northern neighbors.
Afghanistan’s acting Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nooruddin Azizi, highlighted the importance of the new rail link at a ceremony celebrating the train's arrival. He stated that the freight journey from China to Afghanistan took 20 days via Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Azizi also announced plans to use this rail route to export Afghan goods to China, indicating potential for reciprocal trade benefits.
China’s Expanding Role in Afghanistan
Beijing has been actively increasing its economic presence in Afghanistan, particularly focusing on the country’s vast mineral resources and infrastructure development. This rail connection is part of China’s broader strategy to strengthen trade links with Afghanistan, even as it navigates the challenges of operating in a Taliban-led state.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are also taking steps to deepen their economic relationships with Afghanistan. Both countries aim to play active roles in developing Afghanistan's railway infrastructure.
In October 2024, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan signed a roadmap to increase bilateral trade to $3bn. This agreement also includes Kazakhstan’s involvement in constructing two major railway lines in Afghanistan:
- Turgundi – Herat – Kandahar – Spin Boldak
- Mazar-i-Sharif – Harlachi
The arrival of the first Chinese freight train at Hairatan symbolizes the growing commitment to economic integration among Afghanistan, Central Asian nations, and China. By leveraging its geographic position, Afghanistan has the potential to become a critical transit corridor, connecting Central Asia with South Asia and beyond.
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