(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 28. The opening of
the Trans-Afghan Railway Corridor will enhance the transit status
of Central Asian countries and also significantly strengthen their
mutual relations, the Minister of transport of Uzbekistan Ilkhom
Makhkamov told Trend .
"Central Asian countries lack direct access to maritime
transport, which cuts them off from the most economically viable
transportation routes, making the development of the region's
transport infrastructure one of the key tasks," he said.
According to the minister, access to Pakistani ports via
Afghanistan represents the shortest route to the sea for
Uzbekistan, and through the Indian Ocean, Uzbekistan will be able
to establish trade relations with countries in South Asia, Africa,
and North and South America.
Meanwhile, as he explained, Pakistan is also interested in this
direction, as it would allow it to access the Central Asian market,
improving political and social relations.
Makhkamov pointed out that Central Asian countries possess
significant reserves of natural resources and actively export them,
and in this context, the Trans-Afghan railway will be an important
tool that will enable the countries in the region to effectively
integrate into the global economy.
"Overall, the Trans-Afghan Corridor provides an opportunity to
connect the railway infrastructure of Central and Southeast Asia,
opening new pathways for the exchange of both material and cultural
values," he added.
To note, the Trans-Afghan railroad project will help to connect
three countries: Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The
railroad will play an important role in the creation of the
Eurasian Transport Network. As a result, Central Asian countries
will have access to an Indian Ocean port.
The railroad will reduce the delivery time of goods from 35 to
five days, and the cost of goods delivery will be reduced by at
least 40 percent. The project is expected to be completed by the
end of 2027.
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