During the visit of the Kazakh delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin to Afghanistan, the Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Public Works of Afghanistan signed a protocol of intentions between the Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Public Works of Afghanistan, confirming the interest in participating in the construction of the railway Turgundi - Herat - Kandahar - Spin Boldak.

Continuation of the agreements reached will be the conclusion of an agreement on cooperation in the field of transport and logistics, which will determine the beginning of construction of the railway line on the section Turgundi - Herat, the necessary infrastructure, as well as transport and logistics centre in Herat.

The project is of particular importance for Kazakhstan in terms of expanding regional transit interconnectivity, strengthening transport and logistics links between Central and South Asia, and providing access to Indian Ocean ports. The new railway line will become a key link in the future transnational corridor passing through the territory of Afghanistan and providing the shortest route for freight traffic in the southern direction.

The signed protocol envisages elaboration of the possibility of establishing a joint venture between the railways of Kazakhstan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan under the jurisdiction of the International Finance Centre.

Along with the construction of the railway line, a fibre-optic cable will be laid along it at the same time. This will ensure the development of digital infrastructure along the transport corridor, improving communication, safety of train traffic, including their control, will open up opportunities for future connection of settlements to high-speed internet.

Serik Zhumangarin also held a meeting with Minister of Civil Aviation and Transport of Afghanistan Hamidullah Akhundzada. The parties discussed the prospects of opening direct flights between the countries, supply of Kazakh cars and buses to the Afghan market, as well as training of Afghan students in technical specialities in Kazakh universities.

#International Cooperation #Logistics #Serik Zhumangarin #Transport

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