China is once again sending freight trains to its neighbour Afghanistan. It already started such a service in 2016, but is now giving it another shot as the Taliban cements its rule. The development follows a trend of growing trade and logistics interest in Afghanistan.
The train departed the Chinese city of Nantong, just north of Shanghai, on 31 October. It is taking 55 containers with electrical equipment, clothing and other products to the Afghan border town of Hairatan. The town is located on the border with Uzbekistan, and is a major logistics hub for trade with the outside world for Afghanistan. The entire journey reportedly takes 20 days.
This renewed rail freight service marks a step forward in the development of trade and logistics between Afghanistan and surrounding countries. There is growing interest in a trans-Afghan transport route among Central Asian and Gulf countries, as well as Russia. A functioning freight corridor through mountainous and unstable Afghanistan could significantly shorten travel times between regions north and south of the country.
European Silk Road Summit 2024
Asia – Europe rail freight is one of the key topics to be discussed at the European Silk Road Summit 2024, taking place in Vienna on 27-28 November.
Registrations for the yearly event are already open, while the programme, which this year highlights the fast-recovering China-Europe rail market, is shaping up.