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Uzbekistan|economy|March 29, 2022 / 12:12 PM
Uzbekistan starts construction of Trans-Afghan railway line

AKIPRESS.COM - Uzbekistan has launched the construction of $5 billion (estimated cost) Trans-Afghan Railway Line project to access Pakistan’s major seaports, which will boost regional connectivity and trilateral trade, The News International reported.

Once the plan materialises, the region's landlocked countries will get access to the sea, enhance trade, and save money and time.

At a meeting in Tashkent on February 2, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan agreed to a roadmap for the construction of 600-kilometre-long rail project connecting three countries (Mazar-i-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railroad).

"This Trans-Afghan Railway project is the most economical and shortest route connecting Central Asia with Pakistani ports of Karachi, Gwadar, and Qasim," said Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Minister of State and Chairman Board of Investment (BOI) while speaking at the Trilateral Working Meeting in Uzbek city of Termez.

“The route to Pakistan has received the most attention owing to its feasibility. In this regard, the Termez-Mazar-e-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railway project could be a game changer for the region's future.”

He underscored that its geography makes Pakistan the shortest, most economical, and easiest land route for Central Asia to access Arabian Sea.

“Afghanistan is termed the 'heart of Asia.' It connects different regions, mainly Central Asia, via Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, South Asia via Pakistan, and the Middle East, via Iran,” Ahsan said.

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