Uzbekistan railway officials in Termez city say they have reduced the cost of Uzbekistan-Hairatan rail transport tariffs by 50 percent.
Goods from China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and other countries enter Afghanistan via this route.
Uzbek railway officials have said in order to facilitate and expand trade relations between the two countries and to support Afghan businessmen, they have reduced the tariffs by 50 percent.
Previously, specific tariffs were charged for the shipments coming from the Afghan government. For example, goods brought in over Friendship Bridge were charged $200 for a 40-ton wagon and $100 for a 20-ton wagon. Similarly, different amounts had to be paid at customs based on different services, but now all payments up to $500 have been waived until the end of the year, said Farhad, head of Termez railway.
Meanwhile, Afghan traders in Balkh welcomed Uzbekistan’s initiative and the creation of facilities in the rail transport sector, but have urged the Islamic Emirate to create more facilities.
Balkh railway officials also said that to increase transfers, they need better facilities so as to ensure a smooth transfer of goods.
The efforts to start practical work on the Afghan-Trans railway line are also underway; this line will start in Uzbekistan and end in Pakistan.
