Uzbekistan’s foreign minister emphasized the importance of the Trans-Afghan project for regional connectivity during the India-Central Asia Business Council meeting in New Delhi.

Bakhtiyor Saidov said that this corridor could become the shortest transport route between Central and South Asia and pave the way for expanded regional trade and economic exchanges.

He also called on India to participate in transport projects connecting Central and South Asia.

Bakhtiyor Saidov said: “The Trans-Afghan Corridor offers us significant capacity by providing direct access to the Indian Ocean. Expanding this route and linking it with other regional corridors can quickly establish transportation connectivity and promote trade and economic growth.”

According to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Works, the project spans 573 kilometers across Afghanistan, and the Islamic Emirate is committed to its implementation.

Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works, said: “As an active member in this project, the Ministry of Public Works of the Islamic Emirate has previously participated in meetings with different countries to advance this project and will continue to participate in such meetings in the future.”

Economic experts also view the implementation of the Trans-Afghan project as crucial for boosting trade, transit, and regional cooperation.

Economic analyst Mir Shakir Yaqubi said: “The Trans-Afghan project enhances Afghanistan’s economic significance in the region compared to the past and strengthens economic and trade ties with neighboring countries. It also reduces Afghanistan’s dependence on a few limited ports and facilitates access to major global markets and ports.”

The project aims to connect Central and South Asia and other regions of the world through the transportation of goods. The cost is estimated between $4.8 billion and $7 billion, and it is expected to be completed by 2027.