Business
Afghanistan and Turkmenistan sign $5 million agreement for Torghundi Port development
The initiative is intended to strengthen regional transport connectivity and improve transit efficiency between South and Central Asia.
Afghanistan and Turkmenistan have signed a $5 million agreement aimed at developing infrastructure at the Torghundi Port, a critical trade gateway linking the two countries.
The initiative is intended to strengthen regional transport connectivity and improve transit efficiency between South and Central Asia.
The Ministry of Public Works of Afghanistan confirmed that the agreement was signed between the ministry’s Railway Directorate and Turkmenistan’s state-owned Demiryollary Gurlushyk, a railway construction company.
The deal forms part of a broader bilateral effort to align the countries’ railway networks and streamline cross-border trade.
According to the ministry’s statement, the agreement will see the Turkmen firm design and construct modern loading and unloading facilities, including warehouses, along the Torghundi–Herat railway line. These upgrades are expected to increase cargo-handling capacity and operational efficiency at the port.
Officials noted that the Torghundi Port development represents a key milestone in Afghanistan’s efforts to position itself as a land bridge for regional commerce. The improved infrastructure is expected to boost the volume of imports and exports passing through the port and enhance Afghanistan’s role in cross-border logistics.
The agreement follows a series of recent initiatives by both Afghanistan and Turkmenistan to deepen economic cooperation through joint infrastructure projects, particularly in the rail and energy sectors.
Afghan officials have consistently emphasized the importance of regional connectivity as a foundation for long-term economic growth and stability.
The Ministry of Public Works added that the Torghundi project will not only support trade facilitation but also generate commercial opportunities, improve logistical capabilities, and contribute to the country’s broader development goals through sustainable regional partnerships.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that Tehran will facilitate trade and economic exchanges with Afghanistan, including easing procedures at customs and local marketplaces.
He made the remarks during a televised interview following his visit to South Khorasan province, which shares a border with Afghanistan.
Pezeshkian, in a separate event addressing local business leaders, highlighted the province’s strategic advantages, citing its rich mineral resources, proximity to neighboring countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, and access to the ocean via the Chabahar port. He described the region as “a golden opportunity not found everywhere,” emphasizing its potential for economic growth and cross-border commerce.
A Kazakh delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Finance of Kazakhstan met with Sediqullah Khalid, First Deputy Governor of Da Afghanistan Bank, to discuss ways of strengthening banking and economic cooperation between the two countries.
According to a statement issued by Da Afghanistan Bank, Khalid said the central bank is keen to establish regular and effective banking relations with Kazakhstan as part of broader efforts to expand bilateral trade.
He noted that enhanced banking cooperation would help facilitate trade, investment, and wider economic interaction between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan, while also contributing to financial stability at the regional level.
Members of the Kazakh delegation also emphasized the importance of developing banking and economic ties and expressed their readiness to expand joint cooperation.
The two sides further agreed to establish technical committees from both countries to hold expert-level discussions and advance practical steps for cooperation.
Business
Afghanistan, Kazakhstan envoys discuss expanding trade and regional connectivity
Ambassador Shakeeb thanked Kazakhstan for its continued support and constructive engagement with Afghanistan, particularly in efforts aimed at peace and economic development.
Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, has met with Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin, to explore ways to strengthen bilateral relations and advance regional cooperation.
The two envoys exchanged views on Afghanistan–Kazakhstan ties, regional connectivity, and major infrastructure initiatives, as well as the opportunities and challenges facing regional trade. Discussions also touched on Kazakhstan’s role in promoting regional stability and other matters of mutual interest.
Ambassador Shakeeb thanked Kazakhstan for its continued support and constructive engagement with Afghanistan, particularly in efforts aimed at peace and economic development.
He expressed hope that the proposed $3 billion joint trade agreement, once finalized, would bring tangible benefits to both countries and contribute to broader regional economic integration.
Ambassador Kistafin reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s support for stability and economic growth in Afghanistan, highlighting his country’s involvement in key regional connectivity and trade projects.
He said the current security and stability situation in Afghanistan has increased Kazakhstan’s confidence in expanding regional trade and transit, and praised the efforts of the Islamic Emirate in this regard.
He also stressed the need for coordinated regional efforts to ensure lasting stability, sustainable economic development, and the smooth movement of goods and transit across the region.
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