A rail freight transport from China arrived in Afghanistan on Saturday via the Mazar-e Sharif railway, the Taliban-run Ministry of Industry and Commerce reported.
In a statement, the ministry said the train departed from China 22 days ago, passing through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan before entering Afghanistan. The shipment consisted of 55 containers carrying various goods. The railway route is also expected to facilitate the export of Afghan products to other countries as the train returns.
The shipment follows visits by Nooruddin Azizi, the Taliban’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, to China, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, aimed at strengthening Afghanistan’s trade ties with the region. While the route is not the first rail connection between China and Afghanistan, the arrival underscores the growing importance of railway networks for Afghanistan’s trade and connectivity.
Despite these developments, Afghan traders continue to face significant challenges, including high tariffs and taxes imposed by the Taliban, difficulties transferring funds, and a lack of adequate storage facilities for perishable goods like fruits and vegetables. Many investors have also pointed to insufficient electricity infrastructure as a major barrier to their work.
The rail transport highlights Afghanistan’s potential to expand regional trade, though overcoming these persistent economic obstacles remains essential for sustainable growth.
