Why is this important
This will expand the logistical capabilities of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, strengthen trade with Central Asian and distant partners, reduce transport costs, and improve access to goods.
What happened
- Sogdiana Trans LLC was established jointly between the Uzbek company and Khan Daqiq Trading of Afghanistan.
- The projected annual capacity is to transport up to 150 thousand tons of cargo along the Kabul—Mazar-i-Sharif—Kabul route, then by rail to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Russia, and the Baltic countries.
- Uzbekistan Railways participates through its subsidiary LLC Sogdiana Trans.
- The contract for the operation and maintenance of the Hairatan—Mazar-i-Sharif railway branch is already in effect, with Sogdiana Trans remaining its operator.
Context
The Hairatan—Mazar-i-Sharif branch was built in 2010, its restoration and operation is an important component of regional logistics and trade. Railway routes strengthen Uzbekistan’s transport connectivity with Afghanistan and further with other countries, which aligns with the policy of expanding the transport network and trade partnership.
