An Azerbaijani media outlet reported that the Uzbekistan government has asked Qatar to help it build the Trans-Afghan railway, which will connect Central Asia to South Asia via Afghanistan.

According to Trend News Agency, the news followed a meeting between the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Anadolu Agency, a Turkish news agency, also cited a statement from the Uzbekistan presidency that followed the meeting saying that the Qatari side expressed support for the Trans-Afghan Railway construction project in order to further expand cooperation in the field of transport and logistics.

The Afghanistan Railway Authority said that the authority is fully prepared to start the practical work on the big project.

"In the meeting with the President of Uzbekistan, the Emir of Qatar showed interest in investing in the project, the United Arab Emirates and Russia also showed interest, and we are trying to attract investment in the project,” said Abdul Sami Durani, a spokesman for the authority.

The spokesman of the Islamic Emirate said that for the development of Afghanistan's trade with the countries of the region, the Trans-Afghan railway must be started.

“The project is very important, and it is still one of the most important and key plans in connecting Central Asian countries with South Asian countries,” said Zabiullah Mujahid.

Meanwhile, some economic experts said the development of railways are beneficial in the country's economic progress.

"The creation of the railway can reduce the cost of commercial goods and speed up the transfer of commercial goods and also facilitate the development of trade and improve economic progress and create more jobs for the country,” said Abdul Zahur Mudabir, an economist.

“The Trans-Afghan Railway can provide progress to countries, including export and import in countries, it can boost the level of employment,” said Mer Shekab Mer, an economist.

The Trans-Afghan railway project agreement was signed in February 2021 between Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the railway will be made with an initial cost of five billion dollars.