CPEC integration set to boost Afghanistan’s trade and connectivity

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), currently being constructed in Pakistan, is expected to bring significant socio-economic benefits to Afghanistan, enhancing regional connectivity and trade prospects, according to Zafar Iqbal, Acting President of the Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI).

Iqbal, whole made the remark during a recent think-tank session at the PCJCCI Secretariat, described CPEC as a potential “game changer” for Afghanistan, positioning the country as a central hub in the emerging trade and transit network across South and Central Asia.

By linking major ports, railways, and highways, the corridor could open new avenues for infrastructure investment, commerce, and regional cooperation, he said.

With countries such as Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and other Central Asian Republics planning to leverage Gwadar Port for trade, Afghanistan is poised to gain substantially from transit trade opportunities. Iqbal highlighted that Afghanistan will no longer be a landlocked country; and that with CPEC, it will become a land-linked trade corridor connecting Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East.

Experts note that deeper integration into CPEC could provide Afghanistan with access to modern transport networks, facilitate exports and imports, and stimulate growth in logistics, manufacturing, and service sectors. The corridor also presents opportunities for cross-border investment, creating jobs and supporting local industries while fostering closer economic ties with neighboring countries.

As CPEC continues to expand, Afghanistan’s participation could transform its role in regional trade, strengthen connectivity with strategic partners, and enhance its economic resilience in the coming decade.