Implementation of Mazar-e-sharif_Herat Railway Project

The intergovernmental economic cooperation meeting between Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (IRoA) and Republic of Uzbekistan held on Mar 31, 2019 in Kabul with the participation of high economic delegation of Uzbekistan. In this meeting Afghan economic delegation led by H.E. Mohammad Humayon Qayoumi, Acting Minister of Finance and Chief Advisor on Infrastructure to H.E. the President, and Uzbek economic delegation led by H.E. Badriddin Abidov, Deputy Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade.

In recent years, Afghan-Uzbek bilateral relations in economic sector have been remarkable and both countries are welling to develop these relations. During the negotiation both countries insist on cooperation in railway projects, digging oil and natural gas wells in the northern region of Afghanistan, energy production and distribution, trade, transit and mutual cooperation through chambers of industries and commerce.

During the meeting in addition to emphasize on development of cooperation, in railway sector implementation of Mazar e Sharif-Herat Railway Project discussed. Afghanistan Railway Authority (ARA) acknowledged that technical and economic studies completed and work on framework for creation of international consortium, to financially support the project, is in progress.

The length of route of Mazar e sharif-Herat Railway Project is 675 KM crossing from Balkh-Jawzjan-Faryab-Badghis-Herat which is a part of railway corridor that connects central Asian countries with southern Asia through Afghanistan. In addition to economic importance for IRoA and Republic of Uzbekistan, the project has strategic importance for the region.