The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has announced a trilateral agreement between Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan aimed at establishing an international center in Herat.
Nooruddin Azizi, the acting minister, in an interview with Reuters, stated that the purpose of this center is to facilitate the transfer of oil from Russia to South Asia.
Azizi also expressed the desire to transport national export items through Torghundi and Spin Boldak to South Asia, in addition to the transfer of Russian oil.
The acting minister of industry and commerce said, “It was agreed to establish a large logistics center either in the city of Herat or in its vicinity, which will be an international logistics center created in collaboration with all three countries.”
Azizi further mentioned, with reference to Afghanistan’s strategic location in the region, that negotiations are underway with China and Iran to construct an independent transit route equipped with rail, road, and oil and gas pipelines that would meet the needs of all three parties.
Nooruddin Azizi stated, “If we reach a full agreement with China, which Iran is also very interested in, then Iran, Afghanistan, and China should have an independent route.”
However, the Chamber of Commerce and Investment considers the establishment of the international logistics center in Herat Province crucial for increasing the country’s national income and emphasizes the need for the swift implementation of this agreement.
Mohammad Younus Momand, the deputy of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said, “This is in Afghanistan’s interest, and Afghanistan could become a major hub for the transit of goods in Central and South Asia through this route.”
This comes while officials from the Islamic Emirate have consistently emphasized facilitating transit facilities for the commercial cargoes of neighboring countries and the region.
