Regional Connectivity
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Afghanistan
China Launches Direct Rail Freight Route to Afghanistan
DID Press: The first direct rail freight shipment from China to Afghanistan has arrived in Herat via Iran’s railway network and the Khaf–Herat Corridor, marking a significant step toward strengthening regional trade connectivity and eliminating the need for cargo reloading…
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Economy & Development
Revival of Hejaz Railway Poses New Challenge to Israel-Backed Trade Corridor
DID Press: A new agreement between Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Türkiye and Saudi Arabia to revive the historic Hejaz Railway has intensified debate over the future of regional trade corridors and competition for strategic transport routes linking Asia and Europe. Under…
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Economy & Development
Kazakhstan Plans Trade Terminal at Iran’s Bandar Abbas
DID Press: Kazakhstan is planning to establish a commercial terminal at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port through private-sector investment, aiming to secure direct access to markets in India, East Africa, Gulf countries and Southeast Asia. Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin…
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Afghanistan
Uzbekistan, Qatar Discuss Cooperation to Support Afghanistan
DID Press: Uzbekistan and Qatar have discussed expanding bilateral cooperation and supporting Afghanistan’s sustainable development, reaffirming their commitment to joint efforts aimed at promoting stability, economic growth, and regional connectivity. According to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions took…
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Afghanistan
Herat Governor Calls for Expanded Trade Through Khaf–Herat Railway
DID Press: Herat Governor Mawlawi Noor Ahmad Islamjar has called for increased commercial transportation through the Khaf–Herat railway corridor during a meeting with Mostafa Rezaei. During the meeting, Islamjar described the Khaf–Herat Railway as one of the most important transit…
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Afghanistan
Uzbekistan: Trans-Afghan Railway Cost May Exceed $7B
DID Press: The estimated cost of the Trans-Afghan Railway project could surpass $7 billion, significantly higher than earlier projections, according to Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Transport, Jasurbek Choriev. Speaking on the sidelines of the Tashkent International Investment Forum, Choriev said…
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Afghanistan
Regional Envoys Meet in Almaty to Discuss Afghanistan’s Future
DID Press: Special representatives from the European Union and Central Asian countries met in Almaty on Tuesday for the eighth round of consultations on Afghanistan, focusing on regional connectivity, sustainable development, and the country’s evolving situation. According to Ministry of…
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Afghanistan
Karimi: Afghanistan Can Become a Regional Economic Connectivity Hub
DID Press: Bilal Karimi has emphasized Afghanistan’s strategic geographic position, saying the country has the potential to become a key hub for regional economic connectivity and trade. Speaking at the Seventh China–South Asia Cooperation Forum, Karimi described Afghanistan as a…
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Afghanistan
Central Asia–Afghanistan Expert Meeting Held on Sidelines of Termez Dialogue
DID Press: A high-level Central Asia–Afghanistan expert meeting was held on the sidelines of the Termez Dialogue on regional connectivity, bringing together prominent policymakers and analysts to discuss Afghanistan’s role in strengthening regional integration. According to the Afghanistan Center for…
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Afghanistan
Rail Cargo Volumes Triple Year-on-Year, Taliban Ministry Says
DID Press: Taliban-run Ministry of Public Works says more than one million tons of petroleum and non-petroleum goods were transported through Afghanistan’s railway network during the month of April–May 2026, marking a significant increase in freight activity. According to the…
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