ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 18. Kazakhstan and Pakistan discussed the development of the Trans-Afghan Corridor during the working visit of Damir Kozhakhmetov, the CEO of KTZ Express, to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, where a series of meetings were held with the leadership of the country's largest transport and logistics companies and representatives of the Ministry of Trade, Trend reports via Kazakhstan Railways.
The key topic of the discussions was the development of the Trans-Afghan Corridor. Damir Kozhakmetov talked with representatives of the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) and Tranzum Courier Service (TCS) about potential cooperation in optimizing cargo transportation and developing logistics solutions using terminal and port infrastructure. He also met with Pakistan’s Ministry of Trade to discuss measures to simplify logistics processes and eliminate barriers to improve the efficiency and attractiveness of routes through Pakistan.
Special attention was given to the transportation infrastructure in the port zone, and the terminal capacities of the Karachi port were reviewed. In addition, as part of the concept to create a terminal framework on the North-South transport corridor, negotiations were held with port terminal owners on expanding KTZ Express’s presence in the region.
“We see great potential for developing cooperation with Pakistan in logistics. Trade turnover between our countries exceeds $50 million, and joint efforts will strengthen trade and economic ties, increase the competitiveness of the route, and cement Kazakhstan’s position as a key transit hub,” said Damir Kozhakhmetov.
To note, in 2024, cargo was first sent through the Trans-Afghan Corridor from Kazakhstan to the UAE via the Karachi port. It reached its destination in 38 days.
In 2023, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan conceived a plan to link South and Central Asia with a railroad to augment trade and economic prospects in the region. The concept has finally materialized as the Trans-Afghan multimodal transport corridor. In 2024, the Corridor achieved substantial advancements, finalizing its inaugural pilot project and signifying other key infrastructural improvements. This plan extends from northeastern Kazakhstan to Pakistan, traversing Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, and is part of a comprehensive strategy to create a revitalized southern corridor that integrates both land and maritime routes, ultimately connecting South and Central Asia to the port of Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates. Nevertheless, despite recent advancements and the diverse economic advantages it offers, the Corridor continues to encounter numerous political and logistical obstacles. These obstacles can only be surmounted if the various governments of the region set aside their divergences and unite for the overarching objective of the project.