Abu Dhabi:Uzbekistan is partnering with the UAE to advance the Trans-Afghan Railway project, a strategic initiative to enhance the flow of goods from Asia to Europe. The project aims to connect South Asia with the Eurasian continent, potentially reducing transportation times from India to Europe by approximately two weeks compared to traditional routes.
According to Emirates News Agency, Laziz Kudratov, the Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, emphasized the significance of this collaboration during a panel discussion at Investopia Bridge 2026 in Abu Dhabi. He highlighted Uzbekistan's engagement with partners, including the UAE and France, to develop projects that diversify trade routes and improve transport corridors.
Kudratov mentioned that construction started about a year and a half ago on a pivotal railway linking China, Uzbekistan, and GCC countries. This development is expected to cut transport times from East to West by at least 10 days and reduce the route length by approximately 900 kilometers.
Over the past decade, Uzbekistan has seen increasing interest from foreign investors, supported by the country's economic stability and diversity. Kudratov reported that the nation's GDP growth has averaged over 7%, with a 7.7% increase last year and 8.5% growth in the first half of this year. The GDP has doubled in the last nine years, with a target to double it again by 2030.
He reiterated Uzbekistan's commitment to working with partners to diversify trade routes and transport corridors, aiming to develop new pathways for goods movement and strengthen market connectivity.