Latest news with #Trans-AfghanRailway
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kazakhstan launches initiative to integrate Afghanistan into Central Asian economy
A Kazakhstan delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu visited Kabul eyeing to boost sub-regional cooperation. Kazakhstan and Afghanistan have agreed on the construction of the Trans-Afghan Railway . During a visit to Kabul the two sides signed a memorandum on the construction of a railway connecting Central Asia and Afghanistan, it has been learnt. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 30초 비교 견적, 4번의 클릭으로 최저가 견적 상담 받으세요 8zero렌트 더 읽기 Undo Officials from Afghanistan's Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to build a 115km railway from Towrgondi on Afghanistan's border with Turkmenistan to Herat. Kazakhstan intends to invest in the Turgundi-Herat section and increase trade with Afghanistan to $3 billion per year. Live Events The two sides also discussed the supply of Kazakh agricultural products, fuels and lubricants and fertilizers in exchange for Afghan goods. In addition, Nurtleu proposed expanding quotas for Afghan students in Kazakh universities. Astana is advocating the integration of Afghanistan into the region's economy. Talks are underway to initiate direct flights between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan to increase bilateral business and people to people movement.
Arab News
13-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan PM seeks stronger trade, connectivity with Uzbekistan in talks with envoy
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his administration's interest in bolstering bilateral trade and physical connectivity with Uzbekistan during a conversation with the envoy of the Central Asian state on Thursday, his office said in a statement. Sharif met with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent last month during a trip to the region, where both leaders set an ambitious target to increase bilateral trade from $404 million to $2 billion in the foreseeable future. They also discussed the proposed railway project spanning approximately 573 kilometers from Termez in Uzbekistan to Mazar-i-Sharif and Kabul in Afghanistan, before extending to Peshawar in Pakistan. The project holds strategic significance for Islamabad, as it could provide direct access to Central Asian markets, boosting trade and economic integration while positioning the country as a key regional trade hub. The issue was also raised during a meeting between Sharif and Uzbek Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad. 'The Prime Minister expressed his complete satisfaction at the excellent progress made between the two countries during his visit, which included the formation of a High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, as well as the signing of a number of important agreements and MOUs [memorandums of understanding] in various fields,' said a statement released by the PM Office. 'The Prime Minister said that, upon his return from Tashkent, he had tasked the concerned Ministers of relevant areas to ensure prompt follow-up on the decisions taken by the two leaders,' it added. 'He particularly highlighted Pakistan's interest in enhancing cooperation with Uzbekistan in mining & minerals, railways (including the Trans-Afghan Railway project), special economic zones, banking, tourism, culture and renewable energy.' Sharif conveyed his warm greetings to President Mirziyoyev, expressing gratitude for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their visit to Tashkent. He also underscored the need to devise a roadmap to enhance bilateral trade to $2 billion, in line with the agreement reached between the two leaders. The Uzbek envoy reaffirmed his country's commitment to strengthening ties with Pakistan and transforming their political relations into mutually beneficial economic cooperation. He also informed Sharif that President Mirziyoyev would visit Pakistan later this year, with the dates to be determined through mutual coordination between the two sides.
Express Tribune
27-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, Uzbekistan vow to take trade to $2b
PM Shehbaz Sharif and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev raise hands in solidarity during the joint press stakeout in Tashkent. Photo: PPI Pakistan and Uzbekistan on Wednesday vowed to take the volume of bilateral trade from current $400 million to $2 billion in the near future, besides agreeing to exploit the immense potential for cooperation in the fields of investment, connectivity and tourism. The bilateral ties were discussed in the "fruitful" one-on-one meeting and the delegation-level talks between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who was on a two-day visit here. The two leaders, addressing the joint press stakeout, told the media that both the sides had agreed for the efforts to realise the "dream" project of Trans-Afghan Railway to connect Central Asia with South Asia which, the prime minister said, would be a game changer for the region. Thanking the Uzbek side for warm hospitality, the prime minister said both countries shared the centuries-old bond rooted in a shared history and that the bilateral ties were moving in the right direction. "The relations between our countries are moving in the right directionpositively and speedily. You have played a pivotal role in strengthening this bond and converting it into relations that stand on investment and trade," he remarked. He assured the Uzbek side of his government's "finest role" in achieving the Trans-Afghan rail connectivity project. Prime Minister Shehbaz told the media that both sides were willing to expand tourism through an increased number of flights and adding new destinations. Coming to the regional situation, he said both sides emphasised that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was vital for regional connectivity and peace. However, he said that Afghanistan's soil must not be allowed to be used by militant groups to attack any other country, including Pakistan. He told the media that some of his delegation members would stay in Tashkent to be joined by some more government officials from Islamabad later to take forward the discussions between the two sides for cooperation in areas including energy, mines, and Trans-Afghan railways. Prime Minister Shehbaz invited President Mirziyoyev to visit Pakistan, which he accepted. In his remarks, President Mirziyoyev said that they had "truly productive" discussions on cooperation in different directions. Calling Pakistan a "trusted partner" with growing reputation, he said the bilateral ties had developed dynamically. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz's visit was "historic" to mark a new chapter in bilateral relations. He said both sides reached a conclusion on the establishment of a High-Level Strategic Council and the relevant ministries and departments from both sides would give bi-monthly reports on the measures taken to promote cooperation. He said both sides had a similar approach on Afghanistan's social development and the Palestinian issue besides agreeing to continue supporting each other at multilateral organizations. He said while discussing the Trans-Afghan Railway project, it was agreed that a committee would be formed to look into the allied challenges and issues. "This is our future. Trade will increase, and the flow of people will rise," he said. Pakistan, Uzbekistan FMs Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday held a "productive" meeting with Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov wherein they discussed the ways to further strengthen bilateral relations. The meeting was held as Deputy Prime Minister Dar is accompanying Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his two-day visit to Uzbekistan.
