Business
Pakistan, Uzbekistan reaffirm commitment over rail project
![](https://www.ariananews.af/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Pakistan-Uzbekistan.jpg)
Pakistan and Uzbekistan on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to early implementation of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railways project which will boost trade within the region.
In a statement issued by Pakistan’s foreign office after a meeting in Islamabad between visiting Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, the project “would give boost to bilateral and regional trade and become a bridge between South and Central Asia.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also met with Saidov and emphasized the importance of the railway project and Pakistan’s commitment to its early completion.
Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan had in February 2021 agreed to build a railway line across Afghanistan to connect Central Asia with Pakistani ports at an estimated cost of $4.8bn.
The railway project, spanning 760 kms, is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, with the capability to transport up to 15 million tonnes of goods annually by 2030.
This rail link will notably decrease cargo delivery time between Uzbekistan and Pakistan by around five days, while also slashing transportation costs by at least 40 percent.
Business
$23 million pharmaceutical company opens in Kabul
The Islamic Emirate officials also stated that while they fully cooperate with pharmaceutical companies, these manufacturers need to produce drugs that meet international standards.
![](https://www.ariananews.af/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pharmaceutical-company.jpg)
A new pharmaceutical company, costing $20 million, was officially opened on Thursday in Kabul in the presence of Islamic Emirate leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.
The new company will reportedly manufacture 50 different types of drugs once fully operational.
Addressing the launch ceremony on Thursday, Baradar outlined the importance of quality in terms of pharmaceuticals and said poor-quality drugs threaten lives while good-quality medicines can save lives.
Baradar also pointed out that more manufacturing companies like this will help grow the country’s economy.
He once again called on investors, both in the country and abroad, to help in the reconstruction and development of the country and start businesses. He also said the way has been paved for them to invest and that they should make use of the opportunities available.
Health officials meanwhile said that currently there are 77 pharmaceutical companies in the country and that serious efforts are being made to make the country self-sufficient in this regard.
The Islamic Emirate officials also stated that while they fully cooperate with pharmaceutical companies, these manufacturers need to produce drugs that meet international standards.
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Business
Sugar exports to Afghanistan resume after four year break
Islamabad banned the export of sugar to Afghanistan four years ago to address shortages and control prices in the country.
![](https://www.ariananews.af/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/imported-goods.jpg)
Sugar exports from Pakistan to Afghanistan resumed this week after a four-year suspension, with over 400 vehicles crossing the Torkham border in the last four days.
According to Pakistan sources, Islamabad recently agreed to the export of 150,000 tons of sugar to Afghanistan, setting an August 15 deadline for the completion of the shipment process.
Customs clearing agents at Torkham said around 100 vehicles, each carrying 33 tons of sugar, crossed into Afghanistan four days ago and more thereafter.
Islamabad banned the export of sugar to Afghanistan four years ago to address shortages and control prices in the country.
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Business
Chinese keen on investing in Afghanistan’s solar power sector
At the same time, the deputy minister welcomed their interest and stated that Afghanistan is a place of opportunities for investment and that the ministry is ready to cooperate.
![](https://www.ariananews.af/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/chinese-investors.jpg)
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce says that Ahmadullah Zahid, deputy minister, met with a number of Chinese investors in his office on Tuesday.
According to a statement issued by the ministry, Ehsanullah Shahab, the head of special economic zones, was also present in this meeting, where investors from China expressed their interest in investing in solar power generation and agriculture technology sectors.
At the same time, the deputy minister welcomed their interest and stated that Afghanistan is a place of opportunities for investment and that the ministry is ready to cooperate.
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