The closest ports in the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean to Uzbekistan pass through Afghanistan. If the Afghan transport corridor is built, transport costs for Uzbekistan will be reduced by more than 10 times, said Sodiq Safoev, First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan.
At the session of the International Press Club on December 30, 2020,
Sodiq Safoev touched upon two important points for the development of relations between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. According to Safoev, these are security and economic policy issues.
“What is the significance of Afghanistan for Uzbekistan? First, of course, is the issue of security. Peace in Afghanistan, the fight against terrorist and extremist groups there, is a factor for us to establish security on the territory of countries bordering Uzbekistan.
The second most important issue is the creation of the Afghan transport corridor. We have said this many times, it is a matter of life and death for Uzbekistan.
Because the nearest to us are the Persian Gulf and seaports in the Indian Ocean through Afghanistan. Our President has been working very hard with large countries. It’s hard to shake their heads, of course.
If this corridor is built, the cost of transport for us will be reduced by more than 10 times.
At the same time, up to 20% of our export-import operations are spent on transport. The corridor through Afghanistan, of course, will lead to a reduction in the cost of our domestic market,” Safoev said.
Without a doubt, the construction of transport corridors connecting Central Asia with the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf can serve to ensure stability and economic growth throughout the region.
