Uzbekistan secures reduced fees for freight transport through Afghanistan

As of September 28, the entry fee for Uzbek-registered trucks entering Afghan territory has been reduced to 3,500 Afghanis ($53.30), down from the previous 5,000 Afghanis ($76.14). Additionally, the cost for crossing the Friendship Bridge over the Amu Darya River has been lowered from 12,000 Afghanis ($182.73) to 7,000 Afghanis ($106.60). The combined savings for Uzbek transporters now amount to 6,500 Afghanis ($98.97).

The Ministry of Transport emphasized that efforts to further optimize transportation fees along the Trans-Afghan corridor are ongoing.

Southern Export Routes Expansion

Uzbekistan has been working for several years to enhance the role of southern export routes. In November 2021, the first transit cargo from Uzbekistan arrived in Pakistan, marking a significant milestone in the region's trade relations. By March 2022, Pakistan began exporting meat to Uzbek consumers, further cementing the trade ties between the two countries.

To support this growing trade route, Uzbekistan has developed the International Trade Center in Termez. The first phase of the center became operational at the end of 2023, and it was officially inaugurated in August 2024.

Earlier this year, the governments of Uzbekistan and Pakistan signed a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), eliminating customs duties on 14 categories of goods. In a related move, Uzbekistan will also simplify the issuance of phytosanitary permits for Afghan agricultural products.

The Ayritom-Hairaton border crossing, which serves as a key link between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, has been operating 24/7 since August 1, providing added convenience for businesses and travelers. Visitors to the International Trade Center in Termez are also eligible for a 15-day visa-free stay, along with tax incentives.

Trans-Afghan Railway Project

The three nations—Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan—are also jointly working on the Trans-Afghan Railway project. Once completed, this railway is expected to significantly reduce both the time and cost of transporting goods across the region. The project is slated for completion in 2027, and it is seen as a key infrastructure development for boosting trade and connectivity in Central and South Asia.