Senior officials from Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, joint delegations, and a number of traders convened to discuss the implementation of round‑the‑clock services at the Hairatan port, according to Bakhtar News Agency.
The meeting included Mawlavi Mohammad Ishaq Sahibzada, Deputy Head of the Afghanistan Railway Authority, and Hikmatullah Rahmatov, Deputy Chairman of Railways and Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan. The primary goal was to boost freight movement along the Hairatan railway corridor.
Both sides agreed to introduce 24/7 services at the port. Officials stated that this move would significantly improve transport services, streamline access to laboratory facilities, and expedite transit procedures.
The parties also decided to raise the number of rail wagons from 130 to approximately 500–700, a step expected to bring substantial benefits to the economies of both nations.
Hikmatullah Rahmatov provided an overview of cargo transit through Hairatan and noted that bilateral trade between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan is on the rise.
He emphasized that railway transport plays a key role in reducing costs, predicting that the new measures could lower transportation expenses by 20‑25%. He also urged Afghanistan to take additional steps to further facilitate transit processes.
Mawlavi Mohammad Ishaq Sahibzada described the Hairatan route as one of the most efficient, convenient, and cost‑effective options for cargo shipping, pledging full cooperation from Afghanistan. He confirmed that practical measures, particularly in loading and unloading, have already been taken, and that operations will continue 24 hours a day to offer greater convenience for traders and raise overall transit volumes.
