Uzbekistan Advances Trans-Afghan Railway Project, Mirziyoyev Says

DID Press: Shavkat Mirziyoyev said at the fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum that Uzbekistan is actively working on the Trans-Afghan railway project, stressing its importance for regional connectivity and access to southern seaports.

Mirziyoyev, speaking at the investment forum in Tashkent, stated that the Trans-Afghan corridor would provide direct access for Central Asian countries to southern maritime ports, significantly improving regional trade routes.

According to the Presidential Press Office of Uzbekistan, the forum brought together officials from multiple countries, international investors, and representatives of global companies.

The Uzbek president also highlighted broader economic cooperation areas including green energy, artificial intelligence, financial markets, infrastructure development, and regional transit connectivity. He emphasized that through the completion of the Trans-Afghan railway and related projects, Uzbekistan aims to integrate into major transport corridors linking Asia and Europe.

Mirziyoyev further noted that Uzbekistan is simultaneously working with China and Kyrgyzstan on a major joint railway initiative.

The fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum began on Tuesday and continues this week, with a delegation from the Taliban also in attendance. Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan signed an agreement in February 2021 to construct the 573-kilometer Trans-Afghan railway.

The estimated cost of the project is $4.8 billion, with the aim of strengthening regional economic integration. Russia has also previously expressed readiness to participate in the project.