Central Asia Seeks New Trade Route to Pakistani Ports

AI Summary

Uzbekistan is seeking a new trade route to Pakistani ports by collaborating with the Taliban to develop a trans-Afghan rail corridor. This initiative aims to nearly triple bilateral trade volume and enhance Central Asia's access to seaports for goods transportation.

Uzbekistan appears to be hedging its bets when it comes to Afghanistan’s ability to serve as a trade corridor. Over the past year, Tashkent has ramped up its engagement with Afghanistan, setting an ambitious target of almost tripling annual bilateral trade volume over the next few years. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also recently stated that the government was “actively working” with the Taliban leadership to create a trans-Afghan rail route to speed the flow of Uzbek goods to Pakistani seaports. But according…